War-history enthusiasts from Ida-Viru County have recovered a cannon from a swamp at a depth of seven metres. The weapon had sunk into the swamp 74 years ago during a World War II battle. The cannon is reportedly in good condition and, after being cleaned, is expected to be put on public display within a couple of months.
The 76mm regimental cannon, Model 1927, had been searched for in Kõrgesoo, near Narva, for three years based on archival records. Last weekend, the cannon was brought to the surface with the help of a diver.
“This cannon fought here in the swamp in April 1944, and during the battle it sank into the swamp,” said Igor Sedunov, a board member of the Otsing War History Club.
According to the history enthusiast, the regimental cannon was popular because of its relatively light weight. “This cannon weighs about 800 kilograms. The Red Army used two types of guns here in the swamps: a 45mm anti-tank gun and a 76mm regimental cannon. They were light and could be moved across the swamp in winter,” Sedunov said. Fragment and bullet marks can be seen on the cannon, along with evidence of wartime repairs.
Igor Sedunov praised the Estonian National Heritage Board and the Laidoner Museum, whose cooperation allows the Otsing club to carry out its mission of preserving military history. “I hope that this cannon will be put on display at the Sinimäe Museum in Ida-Viru County, because the battles in which this cannon was used took place in this area. If the relevant authorities have no objections, we can leave it here,” Sedunov said.
According to Sedunov, the cannon could be made available for public viewing within a couple of months. “It is in good condition. We will gently clean it, wash it, and cover it with special materials to preserve the paint. In a month and a half to two months, it should already be in the museum.”
