DOCSLIB.ORG

Guadalupe Fort 2 Outer Gate 3 Entrance Tunnel

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Guadalupe Fort 2 Outer Gate 3 Entrance Tunnel 1Guadalupe fort 2 Outer gate 3 Entrance tunnel Was part of the Entrenched Camp in Oiartzun, The only entrance is a path 78 m in length mak- Behind the outer gate is a vaulted tunnel protect- a military stronghold designed in the late 19th ing its way downwards and round two bends until ed by: century which, together with those of Pamplona, coming to the outer gate, situated seven metres • six loopholes (4) manned by the two sets of Jaca and Gerona, had the mission to prevent in- below the start of the path. This made it impossi- guards on either side. vasion from the Pyrenees. The project was can- ble for the enemy to fire at the fort before coming • a moat (2) with a depth of 3.5 m covered by a celled due to technological obsolescence, with round the last bend. moving bridge. only six forts and five batteries being completed, The outer gate (indicating the year 1900, when it among them that of the Calvary, near the fort. • two grenade launchers (3) which made it im- was inaugurated) is defended by four vertical and possible for the enemy to take shelter in the The entrenched camp occupied an extension of two horizontal embrasures. moat. 20 km by 15, with eight forts planned for its tall- Embrasures are slits in the wall through which • a metal grille (5) with two sides (the only origi- est hills: in the vanguard Guadalupe (1900), San rifles can be fired. nal of the three still in place today). Marcial and Erlaitz; in the middle row San Enri- que, Arkale and Beliz, and in the rear-guard San The rifle used by the garrison in its early years • two loopholes and one frontal embrasure (6) which crossed fire with the other arms men- Marcos (1888) and Txoritokieta (1890). was the Spanish 7 mm Mauser model 1893. tioned. The cannon (a machine gun could also Facing the outer gate until the decade of the This is a fort of the polygon type (irregular octa- be installed) could fire 196 projectiles contain- 1940s were two decorative miniature castles gon), with a moat flanked by the artillery and the ing shrapnel canisters so that the tunnel was which can now be found on a staircase behind gun emplacements of three caponiers and two a space completely covered by intense cross- the Hermitage of Guadalupe half-caponiers. Outside it has a covered walkway fire, and therefore extremely difficult for the (parapet) with capacity for 500 soldiers. enemy to penetrate. 4 Moat The moat completely surrounding the fort is Each sector of the moat has a flanking battery composed of eight parts: three short (50-60 m) (known as the caponier) from which shots are and five long (80-129 m), with a total length of fired from the two loopholes manned by riflemen 750 m and a width of between 6 and 8 m. Some together with the shrapnel canisters fired by can- parts of the moat have a slope. The floor is cur- non from an embrasure, meaning that the three rently covered in paving stones which were lain at sectors of the moat were covered by crossfire the end of the 20th century. The original was soil and the remainder only by flanking fire. on which grass would grow. Both the scarp and counterscarp walls have a The moat is limited on the inside by the scarp and cordon whose function, apart from being simply on the outer side by the counterscarp. decorative, is to prevent rainwater from running 40% of the length of the scarp (three sections) down and soaking into the stone of the walls. consists of a wall with embrasures, from where Note how the walls are stained in the places rifles could be fired at an angle in the direction of where the cordon is damaged or fails to fulfil its the moat. function. 5 Caponier 6 Railing 7 Half-caponier (ext.) 1 3 2 1 1 2 The caponiers have two flanks for defending the As well as the other flank of the caponier, we can Unlike the caponier, the half-caponiers only have moat (the half-caponiers only have one). Outside see how the moat takes on a pronounced inclina- a single flank and only defend a single sector of is a smaller ditch in front of the caponiers which tion (this is not the only one it has). the moat. has two functions: to prevent the enemy from be- The west half-caponier has a small door (1) built ing able to shoot into the caponier and to collect Here the scarp is not formed by a wall with loop- into the system for moving the troops defending falling earth and stones etc. which, following an holes, but by a low wall topped with a railing. The the fort from the covered walkway: when the en- enemy artillery attack, could bury the embrasure, one currently in place is not the original, which emy had advanced to the extent that it was no rendering it useless and leaving one sector of the was taken to Pamplona in around 1980. The orig- longer possible to defend the covered walkway, moat without flanking. inal was a cast iron railing (1) taller and stronger than the one in place today, with spikes and sharp the troops would make their down one of the four The ditch, being in a dip, cannot be defended by points (2) which made it difficult to climb. counterscarp staircases into the moat and from the nearby loopholes. That’s why it’s defended there into the heart of the fort through one of the by the grenade launchers (1) and machicola- The intention was initially to install a self-standing three gates with a moving bridge. tions (2). The latter are horizontal loopholes with open-air loopholed wall (“Carnot style”), but the Once the troops had withdrawn from the covered a slanted lower opening to enable firing into the railing was considered more effective against the walkway, a new defence front would be estab- ditch. new exploding shells. lished in the moat. This is when the caponiers The caponier fronts are surrounded by the nar- On one side of the caponier is the door opening and the scarp galleries would come into play. rowest sectors of the moat (6 m) and have a out onto the allure walkway which existed behind In the moat counterscarp we can appreciate number of loopholes for their defence (3). The the railing (now rather difficult to see). Beside the technical use made of the stone: being soft, holes visible at the top (beneath the cordon) are this is a loophole from which to protect the railing sandstone is used to deaden the impact of shells, air vents, given that the shots fired from the in- with rifle fire, thereby stopping enemies who had which is why it is placed in front of the embra- side release harmful gases. made it over the railing from climbing the bank. sure, to prevent ricocheting projectiles from en- tering the caponier. 8 Main door 9 Escarp gallery 10 Half-caponier (int.) The main door is par¬ticularly well fashioned: a The walls of the fort are built in large stone This is a rather small space covered by means of horseshoe-shaped arch is flanked by two cren- blocks, while the spaces limited by the walls are a groin vault. It has loopholes (2) for firing cross elated pilasters supporting an entablature. In the covered by cement vaults. The cement used is and lengthwise towards the moat and the flank- arch keystone is Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron not reinforced (it has no steel bars) and has a ing embrasure (1). saint of the city and from which the fort takes maximum thickness of 2 m, hence its early obso- its name. lescence with the introduction of exploding shells We can also see the mouths of the two gre- (which would blow up inside the concrete) and nade launchers (4), of a machicolation (3) with The stone used is very finely worked, especially the appearance of military air forces in the early its banquette (5) for defending the ditch and air the grey limestone, which contrasts with the yel- 20th century. The posterns or tunnels connecting vents (6). lowish shade of the sandstone. the different sectors of the fort are also vaulted In front of the caponier is one of the fort’s eight- and bomb-proof. Missing from the top part is the coat of arms of een ammunition dumps. These are always placed Alfonso XIII which is currently to be found at the The scarp gallery has loopholes for shooting per- close to the artillery pieces. The fort also has two Loiola barracks, in San Sebastián. pendicular gunfire in the direction of the moat and battery dumps and three ammunition distribution The entranceway is protected by two loopholes gives access to other elements of defence, such stores. as the casemate defending the outer gate tunnel. (4) and a moat (1) with its moving bridge, Near the caponier is one of the doors communi- equipped for its particular defence with a mach- A casemate is a covered space prepared for in- stalling artillery. cating with the moat, facing one of the counter- icolation (3) and four grenade launchers (2). scarp staircases. To surmount the ditch the door The door still has its original grille (5) and, above The gallery structure is similar to the other cov- had a drawbridge, of which a few remains can ered spaces of the fort: vaults of different spans it, the plaque (6) commemorating Juan Roca Es- still be seen today, such as the rails on which it (width) and lengths leaning against half barrel tadés, the military engineer who designed the fort was raised and lowered or the pulleys for moving vaults on one of their sides to enable communi- and directed its work between 1887 and 1900.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Ocm06220211.Pdf
    THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS--- : Foster F__urcO-lo, Governor METROP--�-��OLITAN DISTRICT COM MISSION; - PARKS DIVISION. HISTORY AND MASTER PLAN GEORGES ISLAND AND FORT WARREN 0 BOSTON HARBOR John E. Maloney, Commissioner Milton Cook Charles W. Greenough Associate Commissioners John Hill Charles J. McCarty Prepared By SHURCLIFF & MERRILL, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL CONSULTANT MINOR H. McLAIN . .. .' MAY 1960 , t :. � ,\ �:· !:'/,/ I , Lf; :: .. 1 1 " ' � : '• 600-3-60-927339 Publication of This Document Approved by Bernard Solomon. State Purchasing Agent Estimated cost per copy: $ 3.S2e « \ '< � <: .' '\' , � : 10 - r- /16/ /If( ��c..c��_c.� t � o� rJ 7;1,,,.._,03 � .i ?:,, r12··"- 4 ,-1. ' I" -po �� ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We wish to acknowledge with thanks the assistance, information and interest extended by Region Five of the National Park Service; the Na­ tional Archives and Records Service; the Waterfront Committee of the Quincy-South Shore Chamber of Commerce; the Boston Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy; Lieutenant Commander Preston Lincoln, USN, Curator of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion; Mr. Richard Parkhurst, former Chairman of Boston Port Authority; Brigardier General E. F. Periera, World War 11 Battery Commander at Fort Warren; Mr. Edward Rowe Snow, the noted historian; Mr. Hector Campbel I; the ABC Vending Company and the Wilson Line of Massachusetts. We also wish to thank Metropolitan District Commission Police Captain Daniel Connor and Capt. Andrew Sweeney for their assistance in providing transport to and from the Island. Reproductions of photographic materials are by George M. Cushing. COVER The cover shows Fort Warren and George's Island on January 2, 1958.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Coast Artillery Living History Fort
    Coast Artillery Living History Fort Hancock, NJ On 20-22 May 2016, the National Park Service (NPS) conducted the annual spring Coast Defense and Ocean Fun Day (sponsored by New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium – (http://njseagrant.org/) in conjunction with the Army Ground Forces Association (AGFA) and other historic and scientific organizations. Coast Defense Day showcases Fort Hancock’s rich military heritage thru tours and programs at various locations throughout the Sandy Hook peninsula – designated in 1982 as “The Fort Hancock and Sandy Hook Proving Ground National Historic Landmark”. AGFA concentrates its efforts at Battery Gunnison/New Peck, which from February to May 1943 was converted from a ‘disappearing’ battery to a barbette carriage gun battery. The members of AGFA who participated in the event were Doug Ciemniecki, Donna Cusano, Paul Cusano, Chris Egan, Francis Hayes, Doug Houck, Richard King, Henry and Mary Komorowski, Anne Lutkenhouse, Eric Meiselman, Tom Minton, Mike Murray, Kyle Schafer, Paul Taylor, Gary Weaver, Shawn Welch and Bill Winslow. AGFA guests included Paul Casalese, Erika Frederick, Larry Mihlon, Chris Moore, Grace Natsis, Steve Rossi and Anthony Valenti. The event had three major components: (1) the Harbor Defense Lantern Tour on Friday evening; (2) the Fort Hancock Historic Hike on Saturday afternoon and (3) Coastal Defense Day on Sunday, which focused on Battery Gunnison/New Peck operations in 1943, in conjunction with Ocean Fun Day. The educational objective was to provide interpretation of the Coast Artillery mission at Fort Hancock in the World War Two-era with a focus on the activation of two 6” rapid fire M1900 guns at New Battery Peck (formerly Battery Gunnison).
    [Show full text]
  • 6-Ingh Barbette . Carriage Model of 1910
    1073 1073 • SERVICE HANDBOOK_ OF THE 6-INGH BARBETTE . CARRIAGE MODEL OF 1910 FOR 6-INCH GU- NO MODEL OF 1908 Mu PREPARED IN THE OFFICE Of' THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE May, 1923 WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1922 1073 1073 SERVICE HANDBOOK OF THE 6-INCH BARBFYFFE CAR IAGH MODEL OF 1910 FOR 6-INCH GUNS MODEL OF 1908 Mil PREPARED IN THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE May, 1921 WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1922 WAR DEPARTMENT Document No. 1073 Office of The Adjutant General NOTE.-This document supersedes Ordnance Pamphlet No. 1713. WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, May 31,1921. The following publication, entitled "Service Handbook of the 6-inch Barbette Carriage, Model of 1910 for 6-inch Guns, Model of 1908 Mu," is published for the information and guidance of all concerned. • [062.1, A. G. O.] BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR: PEYTON C. MARCH, Major General, Chiqfof Staff: OFFICIAL: P. C. HARRIS, The Adjutant General. (3) TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page. 6 List of plates 7 General description 7 Emplacement 7 The carriage 7 Principal parts 7 Pedestal Pivot yoke 8 Cradle 9. Recoil and counterrecoil system 10 Gunner's platforms 10 Elevating mechanism 10 Range disk 11 Traversing mechanism 12 Sight 12 Shield and supports 12 Gas-ejector system 13 Electrical fittings, cables, and wiring 14 Lighting circuits 15 The firing circuits 15 Shot trucks 16 Shot barrows 16 Instructions for assembling the carriage 19 Care of the carriage Generalinstructions 19 Oil holes 19 20 To pack a stuffing box 20 Instructions for cleaning recoil cylinders 21 Approximate weight of principal parts of carriage 22 List of articles packed in armament chest List of parts 23 (5) LIST OF PLATES.
    [Show full text]
  • Coastal Adaptation Stategies: Case Studies (Chapter 5)
    Case Study 5: Strategic Planning and Responsible Investments for Threatened Historic Structures, Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida Contributing Authors: Dan Kimball (Everglades / Dry Tortugas National Parks, retired), Marcy Rockman (NPS Climate Change Response Program), and Kelly Clark (Dry Tortugas National Park) Goals Sea level rise and increased tropical storm intensity pose a serious risk to the long-term sustainability of historic Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida. The park is trying to mitigate these effects over time through strategic planning, informed decision making, and responsible investments that consider historical integrity and long-term sustainability of the fort and island on which it was built. Historic Fort Jefferson is a six-sided structure built on a landform that is impacted by coastal processes. Image credit: Marcy Rockman, NPS. Challenges and Needs Located 110 km (70 mi) west of Key West, Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico, the seven small islands and historic Fort Jefferson of Dry Tortugas National Park sit on the front lines of the climate change discussion and decision-making process within the National Park Service. The most pressing climate change issues that could directly affect the resources and operations of Dry Tortugas National Park are sea level rise and increased tropical storm intensity. These two factors pose a serious risk to long-term sustainability of Fort Jefferson, the main cultural resource and the base of all park operations, as well as the other islands and accompanying natural resources of the park. For more than 165 years, Fort Jefferson on Garden Key has exhibited incredible resilience to storms and the marine environment of the Dry Tortugas.
    [Show full text]
  • The Vauban Circular Walk the Vauban Circular Walk
    The Vauban Circular Walk The Vauban Circular Walk The Vauban circuit takes visitors through the historic parts of the city of Luxembourg to the points of strategic importance in one of Europe’s most impressive fortresses, through old city gates and dark casemates, across large fortified bridges to caponiers and a series of bastions. The circuit bears the name of the famous French military engineer, active during the reign of Louis XIV, Sebastien Le Prestre de Vauban (1633-1707). Appointed commissioner for fortifications at the age of just twenty-two, Vauban built or enlarged more than 160 fortresses in total. When he arrived in Luxembourg with the French enemy troops, the Spanish held sovereignty over the fortified city, which from the Middle Ages onward had been ruled by a number of foreign powers in turn. Highly experienced in warfare, Vauban was entrusted with the technical control of the siege of Luxembourg by the French in 1684. After the capture of the fortified city, he oversaw the reconstruction work on the fortress, turning it into the “Gibraltar of the North”, one of Europe's mightiest fortresses of the age. Even though the fortress was almost totally demolished (starting in 1867), the reconstruction work and the addition of forts, redoubts and barracks built by Vauban between 1685 and 1688 with the help of 3,000 labourers, earned the city View over the old town the prestige it still enjoys today. In 1994, sections of the forti- fications and the Old Town were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Following the traces of Vauban (General Commissioner for Fortifications), you will discover sites that bear witness to Luxembourg’s military past, experience the medieval charm of the old Lower Town of Pfaffenthal and, from the fortified heights, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
    [Show full text]
  • January, 1907
    .. - ,.. .... .... i'... MAJOR GENERAL JOHN F. WESTON. UNITED STATES ABXY. JOURNAL OF THE United States Cavalry Association. - .-. VOL. XVII. JANUARY, 1907. No. 63. PORT ARTHUR. BY SECOSOLIELTESAST HESRT J. REILLI’. Swosn CAVALRY.* IRST a brief description will be given of the vicinity of F Port Arthur. Running almost due north from the harbor of Port Arthur is the valley of the Lun Ho. The Lun Ho and its tributaries drain the major part of the Shuishih valley, a valley running in a general northwesterly and southeasterly direction, about three miles to the north of Port Arthur. On the shore of the harbor, to the east of the Lun Ho and separated from it by a hill, is the “Old (official) Town” of Port Arthur, while to the west of the Lun i Ho is the “New (commercial) Town.” Between two and two and a half miles from the Old Town is a continuous chain of hills running from the Lua Ho in a general form of a semi- circle to the Yellow Sea. The peaks of this chain run from *Lieutenant Reilly had the good luck to visit Port Arthur in the fall of IWS. The article is entirely the result of his own observations. All draw- ings were made by him, and he took the photos given herewith. In his manu- script names were spelled after the Japanese pronunciation. This has been changed by the JOURNAL to the orthography adopted by the War Department. 1 The article was prepared for the Second Division, General Staff, and is here reproduced by its courtesy.
    [Show full text]
  • The Werewolf of Paris
    The Werewolf of Paris Guy Endore The Werewolf of Paris Table of Contents The Werewolf of Paris........................................................................................................................................1 Guy Endore..............................................................................................................................................1 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................2 CHAPTER ONE.....................................................................................................................................9 CHAPTER TWO..................................................................................................................................15 CHAPTER THREE..............................................................................................................................20 CHAPTER FOUR.................................................................................................................................25 CHAPTER FIVE..................................................................................................................................37 CHAPTER SIX.....................................................................................................................................42 CHAPTER SEVEN..............................................................................................................................51 CHAPTER EIGHT...............................................................................................................................64
    [Show full text]
  • Presidio Coastal Trail Cultural Resource Survey
    Presidio Coastal Trail Cultural Resource Survey Background This survey was prepared at the request of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy to provide information on known and possible cultural resources along the Fort Scott bluffs in preparation for the design of the Presidio Coastal Trail. This trail will be a link in the statewide California Coastal Trail. The California Coastal Conservancy oversees the statewide implementation efforts for developing the Coastal Trail, and provides this definition of the trail: “A continuous public right-of-way along the California Coastline; a trail designated to foster appreciation and stewardship of the scenic and natural resources of the coast through hiking and other complementary modes of non-motorized transportation.” (California Coastal Conservancy, 2001.) A “Presidio Trails and Bikeways Master Plan and Environmental Assessment” (aka “Trails Master Plan”) was developed jointly by the National Park Service and the Presidio Trust for that section of the Coastal Trail running through the Presidio of San Francisco, and was adopted through a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) in July 2003. The Trails Master Plan identified improvements needed to the California Coastal Trail in order to upgrade the existing route to a multi-use trail with associated bicycle lanes on Lincoln Boulevard and supporting components, such as trailheads and overlooks. This 3 mile Presidio trail section travels generally along the coastal bluffs, following Lincoln Boulevard. 1 The areas west and south of the Golden Gate Bridge/Highway 101 are known to have been the sites of important cultural activities over the past 200 years associated with the military and civilian histories of the Presidio of San Francisco.
    [Show full text]
  • Vauban!S Siege Legacy In
    VAUBAN’S SIEGE LEGACY IN THE WAR OF THE SPANISH SUCCESSION, 1702-1712 DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Jamel M. Ostwald, M.A. The Ohio State University 2002 Approved by Dissertation Committee: Professor John Rule, Co-Adviser Co-Adviser Professor John Guilmartin, Jr., Co-Adviser Department of History Professor Geoffrey Parker Professor John Lynn Co-Adviser Department of History UMI Number: 3081952 ________________________________________________________ UMI Microform 3081952 Copyright 2003 by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ____________________________________________________________ ProQuest Information and Learning Company 300 North Zeeb Road PO Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1346 ABSTRACT Over the course of Louis XIV’s fifty-four year reign (1661-1715), Western Europe witnessed thirty-six years of conflict. Siege warfare figures significantly in this accounting, for extended sieges quickly consumed short campaign seasons and prevented decisive victory. The resulting prolongation of wars and the cost of besieging dozens of fortresses with tens of thousands of men forced “fiscal- military” states to continue to elevate short-term financial considerations above long-term political reforms; Louis’s wars consumed 75% or more of the annual royal budget. Historians of 17th century Europe credit one French engineer – Sébastien le Prestre de Vauban – with significantly reducing these costs by toppling the impregnability of 16th century artillery fortresses. Vauban perfected and promoted an efficient siege, a “scientific” method of capturing towns that minimized a besieger’s casualties, delays and expenses, while also sparing the town’s civilian populace.
    [Show full text]
  • Hadrian's Wall 1999-2009
    HADRIAN’S WALL 1999-2009 HADRIAN’S WALL HADRIAN’S WALL 1999-2009 A summary of recent excavation and research prepared for the Thirteenth Pilgrimage of Hadrian’s Wall, 2009 HADRIAN’S WALL 1999-2009 The Pilgrimage of Hadrian’s Wall (a tradition going back to 1849) takes place every ten years, giving all who are interested in the remains of Rome’s most elaborate frontier a chance to revisit the remains and hear about the latest archaeological developments. This specially prepared book, with contributions from all the major excavators on the Wall, describes research and discovery that has taken place since the last pilgrimage in 1999. This has been an extraordinary decade for Wall-research, featuring the discovery of the probable ancient name for the barrier, and the recognition Compiled by N. Hodgson of a previously unknown element of its anatomy (obstacles in front of the Wall), which is the rst such addition to our image of the Wall in modern times. This book explains where the new information is to be found, and will appeal to all who visit or study Hadrian’s remarkable frontier. CUMBERLAND & WESTMORLAND ANTIQUARIAN AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY THE SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Compiled by N. Hodgson Front cover: the Staffordshire Moorlands Pan, inscribed with the names of Wall- forts and the probable ancient name of the Wall (courtesy of Portable Antiquities Scheme) Back cover: emplacements for obstacles between the Wall and its ditch, under excavation at Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne 551114_TWM_COVER.indd1114_TWM_COVER.indd 1 117/07/20097/07/2009 009:319:31 CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORLAND ANTIQUARIAN AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY THE SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE HADRIAN’S WALL 1999-2009 A Summary of Excavation and Research prepared for The Thirteenth Pilgrimage of Hadrian’s Wall, 8-14 August 2009 compiled by N.
    [Show full text]
  • Glossary of Terms
    www.nysmm.org Glossary of Terms Some definitions have links to images. ABATIS: Barricade of felled trees with their branches towards the attack and sharpened (primitive version of "barbed wire"). ARROW SLITS: Narrow openings in a wall through which defenders can fire arrows. (also called loopholes) ARTILLERY: An excellent GLOSSARY for Civil War era (and other) Artillery terminologies can be found at civilwarartillery.com/main.htm (Link will open new window.) BAILEY: The walled enclosure or the outer courtyard of a castle. (Ward, Parade) BANQUETTE: The step of earth within the parapet, sufficiently high to enable standing defenders to fire over the crest of the parapet with ease. BARBICAN: Outworks, especially in front of a gate. A heavily fortified gate or tower. BARTIZAN (BARTISAN): Scottish term, projecting corner turret. A small overhanging turret on a tower s battlement. BASTION: A projection from a fortification arranged to give a wider range of fire or to allow firing along the main walls. Usually at the intersection of two walls. BATTER: Inclined face of a wall (Talus). BATTERED: May be used to describe crenellations. BATTERY: A section of guns, a named part of the main fortifications or a separate outer works position (e.g.. North Battery, Water Battery). BATTLEMENTS: The notched top (crenellated parapet) of a defensive wall, with open spaces (crenels) for firing weapons. BEAKED PROJECTION: see EN BEC. BELVEDERE: A pavilion or raised turret. BLOCKHOUSE: Usually a two story wood building with an overhanging second floor and rifle loops and could also have cannon ports (embrasures). Some three story versions. Some with corner projections similar to bastions.
    [Show full text]
  • Culver Down Battery
    Palmerston Forts Society FortLog Portsmouth 46 Culver Down Battery Commenced 3 May 1904 Armament Completed 21 July 1906 Cost £ Unknown 1906 - 1922 2 x 9.2-inch Mark X B.L. on Barbette V Map Reference SZ 638855 Position South Wight, Eastern edge Culver 1922 - 1956 Cliff 2 x 9.2-inch Mark X B.L. Barbette VI Type Coast Defence battery Ditch Twydall profile Guns 2 Barrack Accom. None Present use Car park and viewing point History Anti-bombardment battery. PWSS. Caponiers None Chain Home Low Radar Station Disposal Counterscarp None Condition Fair, recently excavated (1996) galleries Access Open site - National Trust Haxo casemates None Sources Precis of Correspondence - 1893, Sandown Bay Defences - A.Cantwell Moncrieff Pits None History and Description In 1887 it was proposed to build a battery at Culver Cliff to prevent ships from enfilading the batteries at Yaverland and Redcliff, It was to be armed with three 6-inch B.L. guns on H.P. mountings with two Q.F. guns in support. In 1889 it was decided that the Q.F. guns be replaced with 4.7-inch guns but still the battery was not built. In 1904-06 a battery was constructed near the eastern edge of Culver Cliff. It consisted of two 9.2-inch B.L. Mark X guns on barbette V mountings. The report of Major-General Dalton in 1906 stated this important new work is now nearing completion it only requires a set of 1.8-inch accumulator pipes for A/2. Autosights and cams will no doubt arrive in due course.
    [Show full text]