Andrew Oakden
Stag Special

Canadian Gunners used the nine-pounder rifled gun during the North-West Rebellion in 1885.
They used this artillery piece in Canada from 1873 to 1897 — it was muzzle-loading and did not have a recoil mechanism. Therefore, Gunners needed to reposition the gun after each firing.
Our museum’s particular nine-pounder rifled muzzle loader is on loan from the RCMP.
During the North-West Rebellion Gunners used this nine-pounder during the battles of Fish Creek and Batoche in 1885. It fired a nine-pound projectile to a maximum effective range of 3,200 yards. It required a detachment of 10 Gunners, with limber, ammunition wagon and 13 horses.
The North-West Rebellion pitted the Metis people and First Nations against the Canadian government. The uprising took place in what are now Saskatchewan and Alberta.
The Metis and First Nations invited Louis Riel to lead them. Hostilities began in March 1885. A band of Metis led by Gabriel Dumont clashed with the North West Mounted Police at Duck Lake.
The call went out to A and B Batteries, and soon the Gunners were moving westward. By April 1885, the two batteries had joined MGen Middleton’s forces.
A Bty engaged Riel’s forces at Fish Creek and Batoche with the nine-pounder rifled gun.
The Alberta Field Force, under MGen T.B. Strange, fought the Metis at Frenchman’s Butte.
The Battle of Batoche was fought between May 9 and 12, 1885 and resulted in the defeat of the Metis and First Nations. Afterwards, the Canadian government executed Louis Riel for treason.
The rebellion and execution of Louis Riel remain controversial topics.

To highlight its nine-pounder on loan from the RCMP, the RCA Museum has set up a display with it to highlight the North-West Rebellion. Photos Jules Xavier/Shilo Stag