George Leonard Smith Gun

This cannon was presented by Captain George Leonard Smith, U.S.N. (1876-1951) to honor Exeter’s veterans of World War II.<br><br> Captain Smith was a native son of Exeter, a prolific inventor, and a veteran of three wars.<br><br> This cannon incorporates the breech mechanism he invented, which was used on land and sea by the United States and Great Britain during World War I & World War II.<br><br> His invention was of incalculable value to the triumph of freedom.