News

Military history milestone

Dec 16, 2023

The historic 12 pounder Armstrong rifled breech-loading gun sits near to the entrance to the Deni RSL Club.

Last month marked a significant anniversary in Deniliquin’s military history, as the 30th anniversary of ‘Freedom of entry to the Municipality’ being granted to 370 Army apprentices from Latchford Barracks, Bonegilla.

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The apprentices had spent hundreds of hours restoring a historic 12 pounder Armstrong rifled breech-loading gun, known as the Rupertswood Gun, an item of state heritage significance which is now on display at the front of Deniliquin RSL Club.

The gun had unique local connections to wealthy Victorian landowner Sir William Clarke, whose daughter Priscilla brought it to Deniliquin when she married David Landale.

It remained at Dahwilly Station until 1986, where it was reportedly found under a gum tree.

When the Royal Australian Artillery became aware of the gun’s existence, it arranged for its restoration at the Army Apprentice School, Bonegilla.

The gun returned to Deniliquin in December 1989 and remains housed near the entrance to the RSL Club.

A special Deed of Agreement was signed to ensure the long-term safety of the historic weapon.

A plaque provides details of the gun’s history, explaining that it was one of two used by the Victorian Horse Artillery, better known as the Rupertswood Battery, a unique Australian fighting force which existed in Victoria from 1885-1897.