Historic military memorabilia installed at Glasshouse RSL
By Sonia Isaacs
IN the lead up to ANZAC day, Glasshouse Country RSL sub-branch have installed an impressive
piece of historic WWII military memorabilia outside the front of their premises guaranteed to turn heads.
On Thursday April 18, a specially orchestrated delivery saw an enormous Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft autocannon installed onsite. Speaking with GC&M News, sub-branch president, Brian Machin, said the project arose serendipitously last month when the Glasshouse Country sub-branch discovered that an opportunity to display the gun, located at the RSL South East District headquarters in Brisbane, had become available.
“The project to relocate the gun initiated when the South East District (SED) of RSL Queensland decided to revamp their forecourt at their premises in Oxlade Drive, New Farm.
When asked who would like to display this weapon, Glasshouse Country RSL quickly accepted the offer,” Mr Machin said.
“We thought a display of military memorabilia outside the RSL would solidify our ties with military history and provide a visual focal point to our sub-branch,” he added.
The sub-branch prepared a 4mx4m concrete site at the front of the building and organised specialised transport to relocate the heavy historic load which cost over $21,000.
Mr Machin said RSL Queensland had offered to cover half of the transport cost to move the automatic gun he estimated weighed at least a couple of tonnes.
Mr Machin said he was very proud the local RSL sub branch would now be able to feature the piece of military memorabilia, which he hoped would inspire a sense of awe in the community.
“We are a proud group of serving and former servicemen and women and wish to see our legacy continue within the community for years to come,” he said.
