Historic Shellcase ?

[Mervyn Mitton]

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This fine brass shellcase has been engraved with the detail that it was part of the Honour Guard which fired

a salute on the signing of peace with Germany in 1919.

What is actually of significance , is that WINDHUK was the capital of German South West Africa. The spelling

was later changed to the Afrikaans WINDHOEK. So, the salute was being fired to show the defeat of SWA's

former Colonial Masters.

We had invaded in 1916 - and Sth. Afrika was given permission by Britain to be the Administrators. Later,

this matter went before the League of Nations amd a Protectorate was given to SA which continued until

SWA became Namibia in the 1990's.

[Mervyn Mitton]

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What is of even more interest is that the shell is for a Creusot 105mm field gun. Berndorf - is I think, a German

company. The Creusot 105mm was of French manufacture and supplied to the Boers - who used it to great

effect during the Boer War (1899-1902)

For my money - this makes it a really unique item - and makes fun of everyone.

We have a French gun - used by the Boers to shoot at the innocent British troops - using German ammunition -

and being fired by the British to mark the defeat of Germany - whilst in the former Colony of that Country. There seems to be a rather ironic situation here..........

Mervyn