Battery Kimble
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Battery Kimble (1922-1943) - Battery Kimble was a reinforced concrete, World War I 12 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Travis (2), Texas. Battery construction started Aug 1917, was completed Apr 1922 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use May 1922 at a cost of $ 310,237.63. Deactivated in 1943.
Battery Kimble History
Part of the Harbor Defense of Galveston.
World War I
Originally built as an World War I concrete coastal gun battery with two 12" M1895MI guns mounted on M1917 Barbette carriages. Both guns were mounted on Barbette carriages on 100' circular open concrete pads with a large concrete support structure between them housing the magazines and infrastructure.
| Empl. No. | Caliber Type | Barrel Length | Model | Serial No. | Manufacturer | Carriage | Service Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12" Rifle | 442.6" | M1895MI | 48 | Watervliet | Barbette, M1917, #21, Watertown | 1922-1943 | See note 1 |
| 2 | 12" Rifle | 442.6" | M1895MI | 50 | Watervliet | Barbette, M1917, #22, Watertown | 1922-1943 | See note 1 |
| Source: RCW Form 1, Aug 1925, Feb 1936, 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 213, 154-155 Note 1: Guns transferred to Fort Crockett Feb 1918 and then to Battery 520 20 Jul 1943. Carriages transferred to Fort Crockett 25 Aug 1918 and transferred to Battery 520 20 Jul 1943. CDSG gun card collection from NARA | ||||||||
World War II
Many batteries similar to Battery Kimble were casemated during World War II to better protect them from aircraft attack. Battery Kimble was one of the few not casemated and in 1943 both of Battery Kimble's guns and carriages were transferred to Battery 520 at Marshall Military Reservation in South Carolina.
Current Status
Part of Fort Travis Seashore Park, a Galveston County Park. No period guns or mounts in place.
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Location: Fort Travis (2), Texas Maps & Images Lat: 29.3665895 Long: -94.7561064
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Visited: 12 Nov 2009
Battery Kimble Picture Gallery
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