Deniliquin 75mm Field Gun facts for kids

The Deniliquin 75mm Field Gun is a special piece of history located at 72 End Street in Deniliquin, New South Wales, Australia. It was built in 1904 by a famous German company called Friedrich Krupp AG. This gun is not just an old weapon; it's a war trophy and a memorial. It reminds us of the brave soldiers who fought in World War I. The gun is also known as the 7.5 cm Field Gun Model 1904. It is owned by the Deniliquin RSL Club Ltd and was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on March 6, 2015.

The Story of the Deniliquin Gun

Why War Trophies Mattered

After World War I, Australia wanted to remember its soldiers. Many Australian soldiers died far from home. Their bodies could not be brought back. So, communities built war memorials. These memorials helped people remember the huge sacrifices made by Australian volunteers.

People also wanted war trophies. These were weapons captured from the enemy. Guns, especially, became powerful symbols. They showed that Australia had fought bravely and won. These trophies helped Australians feel proud of their country's efforts.

How Australia Got Its Trophies

After the war, captured weapons were sent to Britain. Australia's Prime Minister, Billy Hughes, asked for the weapons captured by Australian forces to be returned. He wanted them as a reminder of Australia's bravery. Britain agreed to this request.

The Australian War Records Office collected and sorted these trophies. By 1919, each Australian state had a committee. These committees decided where the trophies would go. Large weapons like artillery guns were perfect for public display. They were strong and could be placed in parks.

Giving Guns to Towns

The trophies were given out in a fair way. Some went to army units. The rest were given to towns across Australia. Towns had to agree to certain rules. They had to keep the trophy in a public place. They also had to pay for moving and looking after the gun.

The 75mm field gun in Deniliquin was given to the community in 1921. It has a very special story. It was supposedly captured during a famous battle in 1917.

The Gun's Journey: From Romania to Australia

This quick-firing gun was made in 1904 by the Krupp company. Krupp was a leading arms maker. They were known for making excellent cannons. This particular gun was made for Romania. You can still see the crest of Romania's King Carol I on its barrel.

When World War I started, Romania was neutral. But in 1916, they joined the British and Allied forces. German forces then invaded Romania. The Romanian weapons, including this gun, became German trophies. The Germans then gave this gun to their allies, the Turkish forces, in the Middle East.

But the gun's journey wasn't over. It was about to become an Australian war trophy.

The Battle of Beersheba

In 1917, Australian forces were fighting the Turkish army in the Middle East. They needed to capture Beersheba. This town was important because it had water wells. Water was vital for both soldiers and horses in the desert. The Australian army had traveled far and needed water quickly.

On October 31, 1917, the 4th Light Horse Brigade was ordered to attack Beersheba. They were led by Brigadier General Grant. The Australian soldiers were outnumbered. But they rode bravely across 6 kilometers of open ground. They galloped through enemy fire. Then, they jumped off their horses and fought hand-to-hand in the trenches.

This fast attack surprised the Turkish soldiers. They couldn't reload their weapons fast enough. The Australians captured the town. They also saved the important water wells. The battle resulted in over a thousand prisoners and nine guns, including the Deniliquin 75mm field gun. This charge became famous as the last great cavalry charge in history.

After this victory, the Allied forces continued to fight. This eventually led to the end of World War I in 1918.

The Gun Today

Over time, many war trophies like this gun started to wear out. They were left outside in the weather. People also became less interested in them. But recently, there has been new interest in restoring these important items. They are now seen as a valuable part of Australia's history.

About the Gun

What the Gun Looks Like

The 75mm Field Gun in Deniliquin is similar to a German 7.7 cm Field Gun 96. It was made for Romania in 1904. You can see the symbol of King Carol I of Romania on it.

Condition and Restoration

The gun has been on display for about 80 years. It was exposed to the weather and started to fall apart. The wooden parts were too damaged to fix. But the metal parts were still in good shape.

In 2008 and 2009, the gun was carefully restored. New wooden wheels were made to look exactly like the old ones. The metal parts were also repaired. This work was done by local businesses and volunteers. Experts from the Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company and the Australian War Memorial gave advice for the restoration. Now, the gun is in good condition.

Why This Gun is Special

The 75mm field gun in Deniliquin is very important to New South Wales history. It is one of only three guns of its kind in the state.

• A Link to History: This gun is special because it was supposedly captured by the Australian 4th Light Horse Brigade. This happened during the famous Battle of Beersheba in World War I. Since many soldiers were buried overseas, war trophies like this gun became important ways to remember their efforts and sacrifices.

• Honoring Our Heroes: The gun is linked to the brave soldiers of the 4th Light Horse Brigade. Their charge at Beersheba was a key moment in the war. This trophy helps us remember their courage. It also reminds us of the communities back home who mourned their lost loved ones.

• A Beautiful Piece of Engineering: The gun looks great after its restoration. It also shows how advanced artillery design was during World War I. It was made by the famous Krupp company, known for its excellent quick-firing technology.

• Important to the Community: This gun was given to Deniliquin in 1921. It was displayed in a public park for 80 years. It became a place where people could remember the soldiers who fought in World War I. For a small town like Deniliquin, it was a strong reminder of the war fought far away.

• Learning from the Past: This gun can help us learn more about how German guns were made for other countries. Since it's one of only three like it in NSW, it helps us compare military designs from Australia and other parts of the world.

• A Rare Find: This gun is rare because it's one of only three of its type in NSW. It's also one of only nine weapons captured by the Australian 4th Light Horse Brigade at Beersheba. That battle is famous as the last great cavalry charge in history.

• A Symbol of Sacrifice: The Deniliquin gun is a great example of a war trophy from World War I. Australia had more World War I memorials than almost any other country. These memorials and trophies became important places for communities to remember the sacrifices of their soldiers.