On Wed 20th May, seven members headed off to historic Fort Glanville to explore a SA historical site.
Volunteer guide Kim showed us through the museum in the visitor centre, then on to the fort proper. On the way he explained about the rare historic canons they have, including a mountain gun, one of only two of its model left in the world, which can be disassembled to horse- or donkey-load sized pieces for hauling over mountain passes; a couple of rather unique over-bank siege cannons (surplus to British Army requirements so packed off to the colonies as a stop-gap) and a pair of original fort guns, one complete with original carriage mechanism (the other lost all its gun carriage to scrap dealers in the 1930s, but scrap merchants failed to cut the actual cannon up). The main guns had special shell and charge feed gantries to minimise the manhandling of the heavy weights. Special precautions were required throughout the magazines to prevent striking sparks which could have set off any stray gunpowder.
The Glanville Fort was one of several planned along the coast: Forts Glanville and Largs were completed, Fort Glenelg was planned but never built and Fort Malta, a temporary earth embankment gun placement was set up for WW1. Fort Malta has long since disappeared; Fort Largs has been modified over the years, to the detriment of its historical character; but Fort Largs is still very original.
This was a very enjoyable visit, the weather was kind, and we followed up with a pleasant meal at the Semaphore Palais. Many thanks to Brian for organising and to the Desi drivers for accommodating the rest of us tourists. Post submitted by John Rockliff.
