STE. GENEVIEVE – A World War I cannon that has been an iconic fixture at VFW Post 2210 in Ste. Genevieve on top of Memorial Hill for about 90 years, will be leaving today for some badly needed restoration work.
A group of local Veterans at the Post will be present as it is loaded onto a flat bed and hauled out to have repairs done probably around 12:30 p.m.
The cannon was manufactured in 1914 and was used during World War 1.
The cannon is a British Heavy Field Gun known as a B.L. 60 pounder. It was manufactured by Elswick Ordnance Company, Newcastle in Tyne, England. It weighs five tons, is a five-inch/127 mm caliber, 21-feet in length and six feet in width. The markings on the plates located around the gun are partially hidden by thick layers of old paint, however after research, it is believed, because of other examples of this artillery piece, that it took part in the Poppy fields of Flanders in 1918.
From 1914 to 1918 Flanders Field was a major battle theatre on the Western Front during the First World War. A million solders from more than 50 different countries were wounded, missing or killed in action there. Entire cities and villages were destroyed.
“It’s a piece of history,” said Dennis Grass, Post 2210 Commander. “This cannon is part of our heritage. We must preserve our history.”
The cannon, however, has become badly deteriorated and desperately needs to be restored. To have the cannon restored, it will be stripped down, parts will be repaired, and re-manufactured if necessary. Then the gun will be primed and painted with epoxy primer and finished to match the original WW I paint scheme.
The cannon is a prominent memorial, a reminder of the sacrifices of veterans who all risked their lives.
Members of both the VFW Post and the American Legion Post support the effort.
Funds raised will be used for site improvements for when the cannon is returned, which could be in time for Veterans’ Day in November. If you would like to make a much-needed donation, stop by the VFW Clubroom Tuesday through Friday between 4 and 8 p.m. or call the clubroom at 883-2207 to arrange pickup.
Donations may also be be made in the memory of a Veteran, or contact a member of the VFW’s Cannon Restoration Committee: Dan Larose 573-880-3240, Penny Bauman 573-883-2876, Carl Okenfuss 573-535-4788, Paul Brischle 573-535-1505, Tom Hogenmiller 772-834-1050, Bob Pfaff 573-535-8699, Kelly Auer 573-883-0410, or Commander Dennis Grass 573-880-0068.