Sussex Inlet RSL Second World War Artillery Gun Middle Image 0 / 0 - Prev Next Description / Background This artillery piece is a standard Ordnance Quick Firing (QF) 25-pounder Mark II gun. It was manufactured in 1942 in Melbourne, Victoria, for use in the Second World War. The gun is believed to have been issued in 1943, when the 2/14th Field Regiment moved to Loftus, NSW, and were re-equipped with the Ordnance QF 25-pounder gun. It reportedly saw action in New Guinea from December 1943 until the Regiment returned to Australia in 1945. The gun is a Mark II version. The 'MO 1942' stamped on the barrel indicates it was made at the government-owned Maribyrnong Ordnance Factory. Its saddle was manufactured by Charles Ruwolt Pty Ltd. The breech of the barrel is closed by a vertically sliding block, and when opened, the block opens downwards. A lever on the right side of the barrel operates this mechanism. Attached near the traverse wheel, on the left-hand side of the fully riveted trailm, are two brass manufacturer's plates for the saddle and carriage. They are inscribed with both raised and stamped lettering and numerals. The text is transcribed in the Inscription section below. The gun can be fired from two positions. The first is by a firing lever on the left side of the barrel. The second is a firing mechanism on the back of the breech block, to which a lanyard can be attached. A canvas cap is used to cover the mouth of the gun, for protection when not in use. The breech also has a canvas cover for this purpose. The gun is located in the Sussex Inlet RSL War Memorial precinct. It was refurbished in 1998 and 2011. It was dedicated on 25 April 2012 by Sussex Inlet RSL sub-Branch, in memory of all Australian and Allied service personnel. In 2020, a Significance and Condition Assessment was undertaken on the gun, which was proudly supported by a Community War Memorials Fund grant from the NSW Government Office for Veterans Affairs. Detailed background and technical information about the gun has been collated by Sussex Inlet RSL sub-Branch and provided to the NSW War Memorials Register. It is available to view as a PDF via the link in the Related Links section below. Inscription Plaque 25 Pounder Gun This gun was manufactured in Australia in 1942, and saw action in New Guinea during World War 2. The gun was purchased by Sussex Inlet sub Branch in 1962. Technical information: Maximum range: 13,400 yards or 12,200 metres Weight of round: 25 pounds or 11.3 kgs each Type of rounds: Armour piercing and high explosive as well as smoke and shrapnel rounds. On 25th April 2012 the refurbished gun was unveiled in memory of all Australian and Allied service personnel. The gun has been refurbished with funding from Sussex Inlet RSL sub-Branch and the Sussex Inlet RSL Club Ltd. The Sussex Inlet Men's Shed Inc. and local tradesmen provided the materials and expertise to enable this gun to be preserved for future generations. Manufacturer's plate - upper Saddle 25 PR No.11 Mk 1. Manufacturer's plate - lower Carr 25 Pounder MK 1/L/ Ruwolt 1942 REG No. 5073 Related memorials Sussex Inlet RSL War Memorial Related links Sussex Inlet RSL sub-Branch - Background information, Australian QF 25 pounder … Do you know more about this war Memorial? Click here to learn how you can contribute Sidebar Address Sussex Inlet RSL Club 200 Jacobs Drive Sussex Inlet NSW 2540 Local Government Area Shoalhaven, City of Setting Building – outside Location status Original location Memorial type Other Recorded by Sussex Inlet RSL sub-Branch Dedication date 25 April 2012 Conflict/s Second World War, 1939–45 All conflicts