Bastille Day at East Fort
Continued
14 July 2004

Commanding Officer of 'La Marne', Capitaine de frégate Hervé Boy seen here presenting a commemorative plaque to Dave Cowley who received it on behalf of the community of Hout Bay.

Following the presentations, the gun was loaded with gunpowder by Hout Bay's Artillerymen before being 'run-out' by the smartly turned out French sailors who added extra colour to the occasion. (left) Gunner Pierre Malan rams the  1kg gunpowder charge into the gun whilst the gun crew of French sailors ready themselves to haul the gun into firing position.

This remarkable picture by Matt Mercer captures the split second of firing but does not capture the thrilling roar of the 18 pounder gun of today. However, it is a reminder of the horrifying effect that such cannons would have on an enemy ship 200 years ago which on a floating platform would be no match for a shore battery like East Fort with eight of these monsters waiting to take the sting out of an enemy warship!

After the firing of the two salutes, the two new "Hout Bay Gunners", were given certificates of recognition and Hout Bay Passports by Master Gunner Allan Dellbridge to qualify them as members of the 'Honorable Order of Hout Bay Artillerymen'.

Left to right, Allan Dellbridge, Capitaine Boy & Capitaine Soudet.

Hout Bay Gunners and Frenchmen for the day, Allan Dellbridge, Dave Cowley and Keith Mackie agree that there is nothing like a good bang to to end a great event !

left  'La Marne' undergoing maintenance at the V&A.

Pictures by Dave Cowley & Matt Mercer