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Observant Thames locals would have noticed by now the huge 25-pounder artillery gun has gone AWOL from outside the Civic Centre.

That's because the Thames Valley Blasting and local community board are working to restore the artillery piece with the aim of having it ready for the town's military parade on April 11.

Thames Community Board member Craig Cassidy with the 25-pounder under restoration at Thames Valley Blasting. To view more photos click on the slideshow above. Photo: TCDC

Thames Community Board member Craig Cassidy says: 'The 1800kg, 87.6mm calibre artillery piece had been on show outside the Thames Civic Centre since it was gifted to Thames by the National Army Museum.”

The Ordnance Quick Firing 25-pounder, named because its shell weighed 25 pounds, was legendary during World War II and has been considered as possibly the best field gun of the war.

It had been carefully maintained by local veterans of the Korean War but in recent times the artillery piece had reached the point where more thorough restoration was needed.

In December of 2014 the 25-ounder was uplifted and is being restored by Rodney Smythe and the team at Thames Valley Blasting, along with members of the Thames Community.

On long term loan to the Thames RSA before it closed down, the 25-pounder had been the standard field gun for all Commonwealth Forces during World War II and was later used by Kiwis in Korea.

The 25-pounder was rugged, dependable and capable of firing five shots a minute. The gun even equipped entire German units with weapons captured in the desert fighting.

Towed by the Quad gun tractor with a limber (trailer) of ammunition, the 25-pounder could be put into action in minutes by a well-trained crew.

QUICK FIRE FACTS:

• Calibre: 87.6mm
• Range: 12,250 metres
• Weight: 1800kg
• Ammunition: High Explosive, Armour Piercing, Smoke
• Crew: Six