Hopewell Cape, NB - The Albert County Historical Society and Museum are proud to announce the Re-Dedication Ceremony of the First World War Field Guns taking place on Saturday, 13 June at 1:00pm at the Albert County Museum.
The two field guns are hugely symbolic to Albert County and to Canada, with the first being captured at Vimy Ridge, France, and then being won by the citizens of Albert County in the 1919 Victory Loans Competition. The second was awarded to Albert County in recognition of those who served during the Great War from Albert County, as Albert County had one of the highest enlistments per capita in Canada. This year not only marks the 100th anniversary of their arrival in Hopewell Cape, but also the symbolic end to a 5 year restoration project on the guns by the museum. As part of the ceremony the cannons will be “fired” in salute to the citizens of Albert County who gave so much during the First World War.
Albert County’s Vimy Ridge Gun, which is a Krupp 10cm K14, has been called the most storied gun in Canada, due to the overwhelming history of the gun. Not only was the gun captured at Canada’s most famous First World War battle, but it was also turned against the enemy and used by the Canadians during the battle. The capture of the gun was so well detailed, in the records from the war, that we can pin-point its position on the map today from the battlefield position over 100 years ago.
The gun’s arrival in Hopewell Cape is a remarkable story of sacrifice and achievement by the citizens of Albert County. During the 1919 Victory Loans Campaign to pay for the cost of the war and the repatriation of the men, the Canadian Government devised a contest where one war trophy was to be awarded to each province and the district which raised the most money over their goal would win it. The government set a goal for Albert County of $110,000.00. Albert County more than tripled that goal to raise $347,600.00, winning the War Trophy for New Brunswick! This gun arrived in Hopewell Cape on May 28, 1920.
The second gun, a 7.7cm 96 Field Gun, was awarded to Albert County in recognition of those who served during the Great War from Albert County, as Albert County had one of the highest enlistments per capita in Canada. Unfortunately, as much as we know about the first one, we know very little about the capture of this gun. Its importance lies in the recognition of the sacrifice of the men from Albert County in defence of our freedoms. This gun arrived in Hopewell Cape on July 12, 1920.
The 100th Anniversary of the Arrival of the guns to Hopewell Cape, happens to fall during the 175th Anniversary of the Founding of Albert County, 1845-2020, which the Albert County Historical Society is celebrating as a year long event. “The Albert County 175 celebration in 2020 is an exciting opportunity for our Historical Society to promote an awareness and pride of the rich heritage and history of Albert County”, says Board President, Dawne McLean. “and the Hopewell Cape guns are such an important part of that history. ”
The event takes place live at the Albert County Museum, and is being celebrated outside with social distancing and safety in mind. This event will be broadcast live on Facebook for those unable to attend.
PLEASE NOTE DUE TO HEALTH REGULATIONS ON SITE NUMBERS WILL BE LIMITED TO 50 (FIFTY) PEOPLE - WE HAVE ARRANGED OVERFLOW VIEWING ACROSS THE ROAD - LIMITED TO 50 (FIFTY) PEOPLE.
As part of the ceremony, the guns will be fired-off using modern pyrotechnics to simulate an actual firing.
This event is part of the AC175 Celebrations which shares the stories of the Land, Sea and People of Albert County, who helped Canada become a nation, created CBC radio, helped win WWI, formed one of the nation’s beloved National Parks and live near the world’s highest tides. Upcoming Event Highlights include the 150th Birthday of NB born Prime Minister RB Bennett on July 1st, and recognition of August 8th Albert County’s 175 Birthday.
This event is presented by the Albert County Historical Society and is supported by the Governments of Canada and New Brunswick, Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, Albert County Tourism Association, Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Fundy, Bayview Chalets & Motel, Connecting Albert County, Ponderosa Pines Campground, Town of Riverview, Villages of Hillsborough, Alma and Riverside-Albert, and Broadleaf Ranch.
WITH SPECIAL THANKS to The Great Northern Auction for providing the Cell Service for the LIVE FACEBOOK BROADCAST
Learn more at AC175.ca or by calling 506-734-2003 or email ac175@albertcountymuseum.com.
Join us for Albert County 175