A fully-restored “Werribee Gun” which is more than 160 years old has been unveiled.
The model 1859 Armstrong 12 pounder rifled breech loading field gun, which was purchased by the Victorian government and arrived in Melbourne in 1864, was one of the two guns used by the Werribee Half Battery (WHB).
The original WHB was raised by Andrew Chirnside, a pastoralist who built Werribee Mansion along with his brother Thomas.
Andrew’s son, Captain Percy Chirnside, commanded the battery, which was part of the Victorian Horse Artillery.
Restoration of the Werribee Gun began in 2016, with the work carried out in Sydney and Werribee.
The restored gun was unveiled at the Werribee RSL earlier this month, as part of celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the Royal Australian Artillery.
Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard led the team unveiling the gun, while Cr Heather Marcus also attended and the WBH was represented by member Maryanne Sterling.
The event was also supported by the Historical Re-enactment Society of Australia and the Geelong Military Re-enactment Group, which provided additional displays.
The restored gun will be used by the WHB to support community heritage and ceremonial events, and to fire blank salutes.
It is hoped that the gun will soon be available for public display at a suitable venue in Werribee.
A book on the full restoration and history of Armstrong Guns in Australia has been written by WHB Captain Allan Sterling and Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company collection manager Kevin Browning.
The WHB welcomes new members. For details or queries about the book, contact Maryanne Sterling on 0428 136 304.
