| This mortar was presented to Lodge Ubique by the Brethen of THE UBIQUE LODGE No 1789 EC during 1957 to mark the Consecration of Lodge Ubique on 5 May 1956. Bro. Don Rossell, a member of both Lodges brought “the Bombard” from London as part of his personal luggage.
It was stated “the Bombard” was an ornamental piece at one of the Messes in Gibaltar. This and other Bombards had been returned to Woolwich Arsenal for safe custody. The mortar has been heavily polished over the years and the Royal Cypher is nearly completely missing. Rubbings of other markings are shown below including the weight 0-3-1.
The Coehorn mortar is named after its Dutch designer Baron Menno van Coehorn (1641-1704). The British model was cast in brass and was slightly longer and with a larger calibre then the Dutch model. Over the century and half of its existence several changes were made to the weight, calibre and dimensions.
The Coehorn mortars were used in the American Wars, Peninsula Wars and other actions against Napoleon. And in many actions during the 1800s. Mortars lost favour in the late 1800s and were not on general issue in the British Army. This lack of such a weapon saw the Coehorns actually being used in the early part of World War I.
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