OVS Artillery's First 2 Pounder Mountain Howitzer

The Free State’s ongoing struggle against the Basothos prompted them to import more specialized artillery. Because of tall grass mountain guns were never very effective in South Africa, but this gun was ideal for the fighting in Basotholand where Mosjesh made use of mountain fortresses.

It is not certain when the Free State ordered their first 2-pr, but on 9 Jan 1866 agent James Searight forwarded a Whitworth specification for one such gun to President Brand and added:

“I have further to hand you a communication received today from the Company which will show you that the order is having attention and that part of it is in a forward state.”

The specification, also dated 9 Jan 1866, described the gun as manufactured from “steel tempered”, while the carriage was listed as the mountain type complete with harnesses for three horses. Its date of arrival in Bloemfontein is unknown.

In December 1866 President Brand ordered a further 2-pr mountain howitzer through James Searight, who on 9 April 1867 declared:

“I have been in communication with the manager of the Whitworth Company respecting the 2 pounder Mountain Howitzer required for your Government which he hopes to have ready for shipment in about a fortnight. This gun will combine all the latest improvements together with a new carriage especially adopted for field service.”

For some unknown reason the order was only shipped on 15 June 1867, aboard the Sir George Grey, and on 28 September EJ Biddulph transported the gun and ammunition to Bloemfontein. The shipping specification, dated 7 June 1867, identified the carriage as the mountain type fitted with shafts and a wooden axletree. Ammunition was carried in four boxes, while harnesses and saddle trees for four mules or horses were supplied.

ORANJE VRIJSTAAT ARTILLERIE CORPS/ Historical Study and Re-Enactment Group