Alexandria fort partially demolished but RML guns saved
Part of Dekheila Fort has reportedly been destroyed. However what appear to be two 8-inch 9 ton Rifle Muzzle Loading Guns have been saved.
It is reported in the English Language Arab News that part of Dekheila Fort in Alexandria Harbour, Egypt, a site dating back as far as 1250 A.D, has been destroyed.
The report suggests that Dekheila Fort consisted of two structures, the 'basin', which was built during the Mamluk period (1250 - 1517) which has been demolished and a tower which survives. This tower was built by Ghalis Pasha during the reign of Muhammad Ali Pasha (1805-1848) and reinforced with Armstrong cannons during the rule of Khedive Ismail Pasha (1863-1879).
Two of these Armstrong Rifle Muzzle Loaders were still on site and have been removed to the nearby Kom El-Nadoura archaeological area. If the article is correct in saying each gun weight 9 tons then they are likely to by 8 inch RMLs. It is positive that the guns have been saved but a shame that they will be out of context in their new location.
