Original Canadian WWII Inert 40mm Bofors Gun Round Hand Painted for “Herinnering aan de Bevrijding” Remembrance of the Liberation of Yerseke; October 27, 1944 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Now this is a fantastic, personal memento from WWII. This 40mm Bofors round was painted for or by a “Mr. Hester” to celebrate the Liberation of Yerseke in 1944. The round is completely inert and void of any explosive content. It is in total compliance with the current BATF regulations governing the ownership of inert ordnance.

Not Available For Export

The Bofors 40 mm gun, often referred to simply as the Bofors gun, is an anti-aircraft autocannon designed in the 1930s by the Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors. It was one of the most popular medium-weight anti-aircraft systems during World War II, used by most of the western Allies as well some captured systems being used by the Axis powers. A small number of these weapons remain in service to this day, and saw action as late as the Persian Gulf War.

The shell casing is painted with beautiful, blended colors of black and red featuring a Rampant Lion holding a Dutch Flag. Painted on the casing is the following:

Yerseke
27 Oct. 1944
Herinnering aan
de Bevrijding

“Herinnering aan de Bevrijding” translates to “Remembrance of the Liberation”. During World War II the village suffered heavy damage. When NSDAP Germany invaded in May 1940, many villagers evacuated due to anticipated fighting along the defensive Zanddijk line, stretching from the village southwards towards Hansweert across Zuid-Beveland. French naval bombardment from the Western Scheldt of German positions along the defensive line and Canal through Zuid-Beveland resulted in severe damage to the town. The main church was, along with much of the town center, almost entirely ruined. Besides the church, twenty-five structures were completely destroyed while an additional 36 received heavy damage, causing seventy families to become homeless. Although the village was liberated by Canadian forces in 1944, NSDAP V-1 rockets struck the village in March 1945. During the occupation, men from the village were taken to Germany as forced laborers for German industry.

The paint is retained quite well but there is loss and scratches scattered throughout the body.

A great example ready for further research and display.