Standing Orders - Annex C to Chapter 7
The Silver (Korea) Gun

The Laying of Silver Gun At 2 RCHA Guest Nights

1. It is a longstanding tradition in 2 RCHA to lay the Silver (Korea) Gun at the feature known as Hill 355 in Korea, east of the Sami-ch’on River. This is done at 2 RCHA Guest Nights and Regimental Officers’ Dinings-In in remembrance of the gallant actions of those who fought and died in the taking of this objective.

2. The following is a brief extract from the “The Gunners of Canada”, Vol II, Chap XIV:“Among the key objectives gained in the bitter fighting was a hill, Kowang-San, ... to the troops of the Commonwealth Division, who were later to shed much blood in its defence, it was always known by its height in metres, Hill 3-5-5”.

3. 2 RCHA supported the taking of Hill 355 and then handed over to 1 RCHA. 1 RCHA was succeeded by 81st Fd Regt (later 4 RCHA). All three Regiments fired tons upon tons of ammunition from and onto Hill 355 during the course of the Korean War.

The Silver Gun

4. In recognition of service in Korea, HQ RCA 1st Commonwealth Division presented sterling silver 25 pounder guns to 1 RCHA, 2 RCHA and 4 RCHA.

5. One condition was stipulated during the presentation ceremonies. It was that the gun was always to be laid on Hill 355. This condition was virtually impossible to meet and still display the gun in the mess effectively. Therefore, the tradition evolved of laying the gun accurately for special occasions only. This tradition is maintained by 2 RCHA.

6. Hill 355, known locally as Little Gibraltar due to its shape, was frequently shelled by 2 RCHA during the Korean War. Hill 355 is located approximately 35 kilometres east north east of KAESONG at grid reference 0317350 4218000, map section NAMCH OMJOM. The bearing from 2 RCHA Officers’ Mess to Hill 355 is 4762 mils. The range exceeds 15 Million metres. A one mil error in bearing at this range will cause an error in fall of shot of 15 kilometres, hence the requirement for accurate laying.

Gun Drill for Laying the Gun

7. The drill for laying the gun is as follows:

a. two officers are required, a gunner and a GPO/CPO;
b. the gun shall be placed on a table in the centre of the room, in front of the Head Table;
c. orders shall be given to lay the gun as per an FPF; and
d. the GPO/CPO shall report the gun laid to the CO.

8. Orders to lay the gun:

a. The officers of 2 RCHA will lay the Korean Gun (gunner ack);
b. Number 1 Gun, Tgt (ack);
c. HE 119 - Cap on (ack);
d. Charge 3 (ack);
e. Site 0 (ack);
f. Line 43° 27" (ack);
g. Range 15,000 (ack);
h. Fire by Order (ack);
i. Number 1 gun ranging (ack);
j. Gunner reports “Number 1 Ready” (CPO ack); and
k. CPO/GPO reports to Commanding Officer “Korea Gun laid on Hill 355, Sir!”

9. This drill is to be carried out on order of the CO or the PMC of the day.