NEWS

Iconic World War II cannon to be refurbished

Jon Stinchcomb
Reporter

PORT CLINTON - An iconic piece of military history that has been overlooking the shores of Lake Erie in Port Clinton for decades was hauled away Tuesday so it can be refurbished.

The World War II-era M5 anti-tank gun, built in 1943, has been sitting on display at the corner of Adams and Perry streets since not long after the war. On May 8, 1948, the U.S. Army deeded the huge gun to the local American Legion Post 113.

The post is responsible for managing the cannon's repairs, maintenance and upkeep.

Ernie Hopkins, of the American Legion, said the 4,500-pound cannon has not budged much since being placed on the Port Clinton site nearly 70 years ago.

“It’s been here as long as I can ever remember seeing it,” Hopkins said.

Bob Gillmor, who repairs historical cannons and builds replicas at his foundry in Old Fort, has the task of refurbishing the M5. Gillmor is an expert in historical artillery and his work has appeared in blockbuster movies and hit series such as "The Last Samurai" and "John Adams," among others.

“There’s a lot of them out there, but this is an earlier model from World War II,” Gillmor said of the cannon at Adams and Perry.

It was in service for five years, from 1943 to 1948. Gillmor said it likely was tested and stored at Camp Perry until the end of the war, and  then moved to Port Clinton through the American Legion.

Over the course of its time on display, the piece has accumulated rust damage from being outdoors and exposed to the elements.

Some spots on the cannon have rusted through, including an area where an ammo box had been welded on during its time in service. The repairs will include re-sheeting those areas and a complete new paint job.

It also will be getting a set of new tires and work to make it mobile again. The cannon previously sat on two metal brakes, making it essentially immobile without heavy machinery.

During the absence, a concrete slab will be installed at ground level to serve as a new base for the cannon’s display, making it easier for general maintenance and service in the future.

Gillmor estimated the cost of the repairs at between $1,500 and $3,500. Dave McDougall, of the American Legion, said the repairs are financed through the Stenson Fund.

Masonry Construction, of Port Clinton, is contracted for the new concrete base and volunteered to assist with lifting the several-thousand-pound cannon  Tuesday so it could be transported.

jstinchcom@gannett.com

419-680-4897

Twitter: @JonDBN