Pardon Me, Have you seen my Machine Guns?
In addition to the Great War Cannons in front of the museum in Hopewell Cape, Albert County was awarded a number of other war trophies in 1919 in commemoration of the outstanding service of "the boys" from Albert County.
In fact, the records show that Albert County was awarded, in addition to the cannons, a Trench Mortar and 2 Machine Guns. The Village of Hillsborough was also awarded a Trench Mortar and 2 Machine Guns. In all, Albert County was awarded 2 cannons, 2 trench mortars and 4 machine guns. To put this in perspective Saint John, which was the largest city in New Brunswick, was awarded 2 cannons and 16 machine guns, and no trench mortars.
All that remains of these awarded War trophies are the two cannons in Hopewell Cape. What happened to the 4 machine guns and the 2 Trench Mortars? We don't know. Our speculation is that they were melted down in the scrap metal drives of the Second World War, but we can't say for certain. If anyone has any information on what happened to the mortars and machine guns, please send it along.
The fact that these trophies in commemoration of our men in service have disappeared without a trace, makes it extra poignant for us to preserve the ones that remain. Please help us to restore the Victory Cannons by donating to the Victory Cannon Campaign. You can do so by Clicking here.
PS A DONATION WOULD MAKE AN EXCELLENT CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR THOSE HARD TO BUY FOR, and we give TAX RECEIPTS!