17th Sydney Field Battery on Parade

Victoria Park, Sydney, NS

Circa Late 1890's

Leading the parade is Major William McK. McLeod followed by Capt. Walter Crowe on horseback. The large building in the background is the county courthouse and jail which was built in 1868. It was located at the north end of Charlotte Street just inside the perimeter of Victoria Park. The building appears to be separated from the park by a large wooden fence. The building partially visible on the right is a house which was located on the southwest corner of Debarres Street and Charlotte Street.

Photographer:  Umlah (a Sydney based photographer)
Ref. Number:  12-2 (1.3)
Image Information:  Scan of original photo
Source:  James McConnell Memorial Library, Sydney, NS
 

Militia Soldiers With a Field Artillery Piece

17th Sydney Field Battery

Victoria Park, Sydney, NS

Circa late 1890's

Militia soldiers from the 17th Sydney Field Battery with one of their field pieces taken at Victoria Park in Sydney, probably in the late 1890’s. The man standing on the far left has been identified as James MacMillan, a volunteer fireman in Sydney who worked as a carpenter with his brother. He was the unit's quartermaster. James MacMillan served during World War 1 and died of wounds in May of 1915. He was the first Sydney soldier to die during the war.

The gun appears to be a 9 pounder British rifled muzzle loading field artillery gun.

A large tree shows up in many early photos of Victoria Park. It is located near the Sydney Harbour side of the park and appears to be the only tree in the vicinity. This photo was taken under the tree as evidenced by the bench on the left and the few overhanging branches just visible at the top and left side of the photo.

The large building in the centre background is the county courthouse and jail. It was located at the north end of Charlotte Street just inside the perimeter of Victoria Park. The structures in the left background are the old British Army built barrack buildings which dated back to 1833.

Photographer:  Unknown
Ref. Number:  0-1 (2-1.3)
Image Information:  Scan of original photo
Source:  Cape Breton Highlanders Museum, Sydney, NS
 

17th Sydney Field Battery

Victoria Park, Sydney, NS

Circa Late 1890's

Guns of the 17th Sydney Field Battery are formed up in Victoria Park, probably during summer camp. In the background is Sydney Harbour with Westmount on the other side of the water. Note the large bent tree that shows up in many photos of Victoria Park taken at the time.

Photographer:  Unknown
Ref. Number:  0-1 (2-2.2)
Image Information:  Scan of original photo
Source:  Cape Breton Highlanders Museum, Sydney, NS