Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

Pre-1914, Cannonball Storage Chest. 1870

Subcollections
Fortress Fremantle and the Defence of Western Australia
MOBILITY AND FIREPOWER
Overview

Large pine box with metal reinforcements and hinged lids with interior partitions and rounded fittings for the storage of 12 pounder cannon balls.

Historical information

This Fremantle Naval Artillery Volunteers was the idea of the colony’s harbour master, Captain George Forsyth, who proposed its establishment in 1878. This was in the middle of the formation of the RNAV Brigades (1873 – 1886) in the United Kingdom so perhaps he picked up the idea from one or more visiting merchant service captains. The formation was authorised on 10 February the following year. However, unlike the RNAV, the FNV was not backed by legislation, merely by an entry in the Fremantle Gazette. As well as the FNV it had an interesting range of other names, some of which emphasise the Artillery function: Naval Artillery Volunteers, Fremantle Artillery, Jack Tar Artillerymen. Lacking wholehearted support, the FNV were not as well equipped as their counterparts in the UK. Because there were no naval vessels in the colony they did not have a drill ship and did not learn to serve shipboard artillery. However, the records of their equipment make it clear that they acquired the same range of other weapon skills as their big brothers. This is a tribute to both Forsyth and the men in the unit. The FNV fought against political harassment until it was disbanded on 18 December 1888 and reconstituted as the Fremantle Artillery Corps with officers and men being given Army ranks equivalent to their former naval ranks and rates.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-32-54-410
Inscriptions and markings

The provenance of the chest does not permit a direct association with either the Fremantle Naval Artillery Volunteers or the Enrolled Pensioner Force although the interior details clearly define its function.

Contextual Information

The chest is on display in the Pre-1914 gallery at the Australian Army Museum of Western Australia in the proximity of the Fremantle Naval Artillery Volunteers and the Enrolled Pensioner Force exhibits.

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Organisation Details
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The image shows an old, rustic wooden chest with an open lid. The box appears to be constructed from rough-hewn planks, reinforced with metal bands and corner brackets. The wood shows signs of age, with weathered textures and patina, giving it a vintage or antique feel. A metal handle is visible on the front, and a wooden prop holds the lid open. The overall design suggests it could be used for storing heavy items, possibly something historical like cannonballs.

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