German field cannon receives TLC and is rehomed at upcoming museum
The Springs Mining and Military Museum will house many installations of historical importance to Springs.
A German 1915 7.7cm FK (Feldkanone) 96 n/A field cannon found its place on the fields of the Springs Mining and Military Museum (MMM).
According to a Facebook post on Springs – History of the Gold Town, German forces in South West Africa (Namibia) used the field gun in 1915.
It was used under Governor Sietz in the war with South African troops under generals Maritz and Smuts.
“It sustained substantial damage, which we have chosen to leave intact to tell the story of its past more vividly,” said the page’s curator and ProSafe CEO, Tony de Cruz.
After the German surrender on July 1, 1915, all captured German armaments were returned to South Africa.
Springs received Gun 6466 in 1916, and it was displayed in the municipal gardens between 1st and 2nd streets. In 1972, the municipality moved the field cannon to the new Civic Centre.
Then it was donated to the naval cadets for display and moved to the Apex Military Base in 2009, where it lay in the long grass with no wheels or love.
It was scrapped a few years ago and donated to the Springs MMM seven weeks ago.
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“She has now been restored and has a heck of a story to tell. Once the museum is open at the end of this winter, you can come and see her.
“I want to thank the donors and contributors that made this restoration possible in this short period.
“The museum has a beautiful first piece to show to visitors. Our curator Errol is proud of this piece, one of many lined up.
“Next is the 12th Street tank,” said De Cruz.
