1899 Disappearing Gun, Fort Victoria, Devonport, New Zealand
Posted by: 
arby101ca
S 36° 49.593 E 174° 47.926
60H E 303685 N 5922107
In 1899 a 8" Armstrong Disappearing Gun was installed at Fort Victoria, at the 283 ft summit of Mount Victoria above the town of Devonport.
Waymark Code: WMG2CV
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 01/03/2013
Views: 7
Mount Victoria is an excellent site to protect Auckland harbour and the Devonport naval base from attack by enemy ships. New Zealand was concerned by the growing presence of the Russian fleet in the Pacific Ocean. Disappearing guns like this one were installed in a number of defensive positions around New Zealand. The one at Fort Victoria is the last remaining in its original position. It was quite a project to get the 13 ton barrel and 26 ton carriage to the top of the hill.
The gun normally rested in its protective bunker. It was raised to its firing position with compressed air and water. The recoil of the gun when fired would lower the gun and recompress the air ready to load and fire again. The gun was breech loaded with a 210 lb 8" shell and 50 lb of black powder. The shell discharged from the 20 ft long rifled barrel had an effective range of 5 miles. From this position it could protect the outer and inner harbour.
The gun was only fired once, a test firing than broke nearby windows in Devonport. All the disappearing guns were rendered obsolete and not converted to cordite in 1922. The gun was restored and put on display in 1975. It suffered from vandalism but was restored again in 2000. The area was dedicated as a park in 2005.
What type of artillery is this?: Armstrong Disappearing Gun, 8" breech loaded
Where is this artillery located?: Park
What military of the world used this device?: Many in the British Empire. There is one in Fort Rodd, Victoria, Canada
Date artillery was in use: 07/15/1899
Date artillery was placed on display: 01/01/1975
Artillery is no longer operational: yes
Still may work: no
Parking location to view this Waymark: Not Listed
Cost?: Not Listed
Are there any geocaches at this location?: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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