Since 1863, the obelisk had occupied pride of place in Market Square. After 48 years, it had almost become synonymous with the centre of Port Elizabeth with its water troughs serving as a vital drinking place for thirsty horses. On 4 March 1921 the obelisk was be dethroned to be replaced by the S.A. Heavy Artillery memorial in the form of a howitzer.
Would this memorial gain the cachet of the obelisk or would it be ignominiously removed unlamented? Only time would tell.
Main picture: The howitzer on a granite plinth in Market Square in 1926
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