Battery GPF
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Battery GPF (1942-1942) - Battery GPF was a reinforced concrete, World War II 155mm inch coastal gun battery on Fort Pickens, Florida. Battery construction started 27 Jul 1942, was completed 18 Sep 1942 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 26 Oct 1942 at a cost of $ 26,652.25. Deactivated 5 Apr 1945.
Battery GPF History
Part of the Harbor Defense of Pensacola. Originally built as an World War II concrete coastal gun battery with four 155mm M1918 guns mounted on M1918 carriages.
This battery was built as four circular Panama mounts, two in front of Battery Cooper and one on each side of Battery Cooper. The Battery Cooper structure was used and modified as a support structure for Battery GPF.
World War II
Starting in 1937 four circular concrete pads were planned around Battery Cooper to mount 155mm GPF M1918 guns on mobile M1918 carriages in fixed positions. These four gun positions were designated Battery GPF and remained in operation from 26 Oct 1942 until 5 Apr 1945. The Battery Cooper facilities were used for ammunition storage and support facilities. In 1942 generator #1 at Battery Pensacola was removed and reinstalled in Battery Cooper to support the four 155mm GPF guns. A separate 6 commode latrine was built and the B.C. Station was remodeled.
| Empl. No. | Caliber Type | Barrel Length | Model | Serial No. | Manufacturer | Carriage | Service Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 155mm Rifle | 20' | M1918 | 615 | Dodge | Panama, M1918, #48, Minneapolis | 1942-1945 | See note 1 |
| 2 | 155mm Rifle | 20' | M1918 | 763 | Dodge | Panama, M1918, #182, Minneapolis | 1942-1945 | See note 1 |
| 3 | 155mm Rifle | 20' | M1918 | 762 | Dodge | Panama, M1918, #55T, Minneapolis | 1942-1945 | See note 1 |
| 4 | 155mm Rifle | 20' | M1918 | 791 | Dodge | Panama, M1918, #392, Minneapolis | 1942-1945 | See note 1 |
| Source: RCW Form 1, 26 Nov 1942, Coastal Defense Study Group, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 190-191, 212 Note 1: | ||||||||
Current Status
No period guns or carriages in place. All of the Panama mounts are exposed from their original sand foundations but remain in relatively good shape.
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Location: Fort Pickens, Florida Maps & Images Lat: 30.320544 Long: -87.28227
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Sources:
Links:
Visited: 16 Dec 2009
Battery GPF Picture Gallery
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Click on the picture to see a larger version. Contribute additional pictures - the more the better! |
 Battery GPF Panama Mount #1 |
 Battery GPF Panama Mount #2 Center |
 Battery GPF Panama Mount #3 |
 Battery GPF Panama Mount #4 |
