Nine Pounders

A few days ago, on a grey day, I found myself along Dow's Lake, where we have a monument set to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Canadian Naval Reserve. It's set outside of the former office headquarters of the H.M.C.S Carleton, a building which at present is undergoing some extensive work. Whether it's renovations or demolition, at the moment I don't know.

With the monument, which dates back to the seventies, there are also a pair of replica cannons posted  alongside, aimed out at the water (this time of year, aimed at the yachts and boats moored on the docks). They're based on the late eighteenth century models, and to complete the effect bear the royal crest of George III. When I took these shots, it had been a rainy morning, but the sun wasn't too far off.

These are nine pounders, for those of you who have a military interest. So called because the shells the real cannons used were nine pound shells. Just the sort of weapon that came in handy in naval warfare at the time. These replicas stand watch over the lake, a curiousity for those who go running or biking along the paths to the south, or to the nearby pavilion for a drink or a meal.