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His Majesty Canadian Ship and Weaponry

In August 1944, there was a ceremony in Oshawa for the adopted ship HMCS Oshawa that came to visit the Oshawa Harbour. On this ship and other His Majesty Canadian Naval ships, were mounted twin Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns, which were generally located at the bow of the ship. There was a smaller version of the Oerlikon, with a single 20mm barrel, that saved many ships from destruction by enemy aircrafts. General Motors of Canada produced the mounts for these guns, as well as the 4.7 inch rapid fire stratosphere gun, a new weapon at the time. The guns were able to shoot eleven miles up, or four miles into the stratosphere. Although this gun weighed more than 60,000 pounds, when assembled the 120 mm weapon was very mobile. The gun features an automatic loader and rammer, which permits a high rate of firing capability, and can be operated using a remote control. The ammunition used within this gun is of semi-fixed or two-piece type with powder charge and packed in a brass casing separate from the projectile.