"Draw back the gun, sponge the barrels, draw in the tackle and lash the piece smartly again' the fo'at scuttle!"
Members of the crew of the HMS Richmond had the distinct honour of helping create the cannon sounds which are to be used in the Fox Movie production The Far Side of the World to be released June 6th. This was by invitation of Matthew Switlik of Loomis Battery (with their 24lb howitzer) and the Pee Dee Light Artillery ( and their 9lb Parrot Rifle). The recordings were made with the help of the Michigan National Guard at the Michigan National Guard Artillery Range and Training Center near Grayling, Michigan January 30-31/February 1rst of 2003.
Along with the shoot we were allowed to view some interesting
behind the camera close-ups of the set and the crew of the production.
There was some amazing reproductions of gun decks and stories of well rehearsed
hand to hand combat scenes. Exciting stuff!
The following images will give you a general sense of the conditions and challenges afforded the participants at the "Ice Station HMS Surprise".
Above is the 24lb chain shot and bar shot. freshly painted
Canister wrapped in cloth and nested in PVC piping
Capt., Fisher unceremoniously attired for North Atlantic swell holding a rammer and a bar shot
Ken Osen leans out as a canister round makes for a stack of
pallet.
Shot debris flys to the right of the sound mikes.
Solid shot round caught in flight.
Ken loading bar shot. The other field piece is in the background
along with Gordon,
who was the chief consultant in portraying correctly the material content of
the time.
Towards evening, we captured a more colorful spray of canister
The Officers and Crew of the HMS Richmond wish to thank the
Producers and Director of
Master and Commander, The Far Side of the World for allowing us to
participate and contribute to the film,