Andrew Oakden
Stag Special

Canadian Gunners deployed the 12-pounder BL Gun during the Boer War.
Gunners in Canada used the gun from 1897 to 1911. The gun was breech-loading and an improvement from muzzle loading models.
However, it did not use fixed ammunition or a modern recoil mechanism. While the gun had brakes on the wheels and a recoil spade under the trail, it still required re-aiming after each shot fired.
It fired a 12-pound projectile to a maximum effective range of 6,000 yards. It required a detachment of nine Gunners, with limber, two-ammunition wagons and 20 horses.
War broke out in South Africa between the British and Boer in 1899. Canada provided a volunteer force to aid the British.
Among the volunteers were three batteries of Field Artillery – C, D, and E Batteries. C Bty helped relieve Col Robert Baden-Powell’s garrison under siege at Mafeking.
D Bty helped save 12-pounder guns during the Battle of Leliefontein, while E Bty assisted with the liberation of Douglas on the Vaal River.
The Boer had changed how the British deployed artillery on the battlefield. They no longer expected an adversary to duel over open sights.
The Boers used concealment, long-range fire and harassing fire to their advantage. By December 1900, the three Canadian artillery batteries departed South Africa.
Some Canadians did stay until the end of the war. The Boers surrendered on May 31, 1902. Canada lost 270 troops during the South African War.

The RCA Museum’s 12-pounder is on display near the main entrance when you turn right on your tour. Photo Jules Xavier/Shilo Stag