RCA Museum’s outdoor artillery gun park features a ZPU-4 14.5mm anti-aircraft gun, which is still used by armies around the world. While it might be winter, RCA Museum director Andrew Oakden recommends checking out the outdoor displays, which are free. Then stop inside to explore more of Canada’s artillery story. Photos Jules Xavier/Shilo Stag
Shilo Stag
Have you had a chance to spend time exploring exhibits or perusing artifacts on display at CFB Shilo’s RCA Museum?
Take a walk around the outdoor artillery gun park unveiled by then RPOU-W Det Shilo OC Maj Reg Sharpe in 2013?
If not, director Andrew Oakden has an open invitation for residents on the Base to stop in for a visit. He’s especially proud of the artillery gun park.
“I believe it’s certainly an excellent display that improves with time,” he offered, adding he’s looking to add a restored German 150mm howitzer from the Great War to the current collection.
“There are currently 40 large artillery pieces on display from the 1890s to the present. Armies around the world still use the ZPU-4 14.5mm anti-aircraft gun [on display].”
While the outdoor artillery gun park is currently covered in a foot of snow, the guns are still accessible to examine. Each has a bilingual information post which provides information on the piece displayed on concrete placements.
How has attendance been since COVID-19 restrictions have been rescinded after museum goers were restricted with the start of the pandemic in April 2020?
“Our attendance at the museum follows a seasonal pattern,” explained Oakden. “We tend to have 55 per cent of our attendance in June, July and August. For the remaining nine months, our visitation numbers are pretty low.”
He added, “Military personnel represent about 50 per cent of our visitors at the museum. The remaining half are civilians, and about half of the civilians are under the age of 18.”
School tours keep museum staff busy when they are booked.
Besides hosting special artillery-focused exhibitions, Oakden is always looking at new ways to attract visitors.
“During the summer, we are open seven days a week to attract the maximum number of visitors, and during the winter, we are open fire days a week. However, everyone is welcome to visit our gun park year-round, free of charge.”
RCA MUSEUM HOURS OF OPERATION Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday closed
ADMISSION COST Serving CAF and RCMP free; Silver Cross recipients free; adults $10; military veterans, including RCMP $5; seniors 65+ $5; students aged six to 18 $5; children aged six and younger free; group rate (10 or more) $4; optional guided tour by appointment $20.
The RCA Museum is accessible via the south gate at N118 Patricia Rd.
Call 204-765-3000 ext 3570) or use e-mail rcamuseum@forces.gc.ca
Visit the RCA Museum’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100046928414361
Or visit the website: https://en.rcamuseum.com/
RCA Museum’s outdoor artillery gun park features a ZPU-4 14.5mm anti-aircraft gun, which is still used by armies around the world. While it might be winter, RCA Museum director Andrew Oakden recommends checking out the outdoor displays, which are free. Then stop inside to explore more of Canada’s artillery story. Photos Jules Xavier/Shilo Stag
