The Cannon Association of South Africa

DEFINITION
We are a small band of enthusiasts who are determined to stop the loss and decay of the muzzle loading cannons which form a part of our national heritage.

REASON FOR EXISTENCE
The cannon have been ignored by state bodies unless they came off specified wrecks or were involved in one of the nations more emotional military encounters. Some cannon were already obsolete before Jan van Riebeeck was born, but by their nature cannot compete with distressed wildlife for attention, research, preservation and funding.

OBJECTIVES

1. To preserve the old muzzle loading cannon in South Africa

By locating, measuring, photographing, recording and listing the guns and creating a national database. To research their origins and history.

2. To disseminate and exchange information about cannon

To publish 6 newsletters per year, to advertise firings, to provide talks and lectures, to provide a forum for research, to arrange media coverage.

3. To further the responsible and legal ownership of cannon

To promote the principle of custodianship above ownership. To attach cultural value to cannon which would otherwise be destroyed. To champion the responsible private ownership of antique and historic cannons.

4. To provide a legal and safe mechanism for the blank firing of cannon.

To set standards and procedures for safety, to liaise professionally with the Firearms and Explosives arms of the SAPS, to train gunners to a high standard.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

1. Access to an update on the latest cannon listing.

2. An advisory of any cannons looking for a home.

3. An advisory on or invitation to planned firings.

4. Registration as a Bona Fide cannon owner.

5. Access to information from the database.

6. Advertising space in the newsletters (subject to availability).

7. Priority for lectures, talks and demonstrations on cannon.

8. Advice on cannon maintenance and repair.

9. Access to training, certification and registration as a gunner plus regular updates on gunnery techniques, procedures, safety factors and legal procedures.

10. Access, via us, to a world-wide cannon network.

11. Purchase of cannon publications and CDs at reduced cost.

12. Six newsletters per year.

13. Advisory on the progress and achievements of the cannon fellowship.

ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE

1. Compiled a record of 868 cannon in South Africa.

2. Compiled a database of gun recognition specifications.

3. Recovered 19 guns for the restoration project at the Castle.

4. Published the Durr Record of the Guns in South Africa.

5. Recovered 34 guns for replacement at historical sites including:

a. Tygerberg

b. Two at Kloof Nek

c. Dassen Island

d. Constantia Nek

e. Cannon Bridge in Maitland

f. Two guns at Lion Battery

g. A memorial gun at Melkbosstrand

h. Obtained three guns for the restoration of Chavonne Battery

i. Refurbished two rare Canet guns for the Unitie Trust.

j. Refurbished one 24 pdr for Hout Bay

k. Obtained and refurbished one gun for the Voortrekker Monument.

6. Published a specification for the reporting and recording of cannon.

7. Built 27 carriages for guns

8. Restored and painted 14 guns at public places.

9. Identified and classified cannon for 9 museums.

10. Manufactured replica equipment used to serve guns.

11. Advised architects involved on restoration projects.

12. Written and published a procedure and standard for firing cannon.

13. Published 14 issues of a free cannon newsletter.

14. Developed and updated our own cannon web site.

 

By becoming a member of this fellowship, you will not only gain interesting historical information, you will be contributing to the conservation and preservation of our heritage.

Martin Venter Chairman
martinventerwp@yahoo.com
www.caosa.org.za

A cannon firing at Durbanville Hills