Ladysmith enriched with history: Part 4
The cannon is a replica of the original 6-inch Creusot "fortress" guns that were used by the Boers
We’ve all seen the cannons that proudly stand in front of the Ladysmith Siege Museum.
One of these cannons is known as ‘Long Tom’.
This is a replica of the original 6-inch Creusot “fortress” guns that were used by the Boers.
Part 1: Ladysmith enriched with history: Part 1
Part 2: Ladysmith enriched with history: Part 2
Part 3: Ladysmith enriched with history: Part 3
With the outbreak of the war on October 11, 1899, three of these guns were sent to Ladysmith.
The first to appear was ‘Long Tom’ on Pepworth Hill.
It later became ‘Short Tom’ after its barrel was blown off by the British in December 1899.
Near Haenertsburg, the Boers finally destroyed this 6-inch Creusot when enemy forces were too close for comfort.
Its accompanying telescope was saved and is on display at the museum.
Other cannons include ‘Die Jood’ and ‘Puffing Billy’.
‘Fiddling Jimmy’ was the last of the three 6-inch cannons to appear.
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