Battery Richardson

Battery Richardson (1904-1943) - Battery Israel Richardson was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Hancock (2), New Jersey. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after MG Israel B. Richardson, who died 3 Nov 1862, of wounds received in action at Antietam, Maryland, 17 Sep 1862. The two gun emplacements of his battery were part of the nine gun emplacements of the main gun line built at Fort Hancock (2) and originally called Battery Halleck. The main gun line was later divided into four named batteries by G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904 (Battery Halleck, Battery Alexander (2), Battery Bloomfield and Battery Richardson). Battery construction started in 1902, was completed in 1904 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 23 Apr 1904 at a cost of $ 100,000.00. Deactivated in 1943.

Endicott Period

Part of the Harbor Defense of Southern New York.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 12" M1895MI guns mounted on M1901 disappearing carriages. This was a two story battery with the guns on the upper level and a separate magazine for each emplacement on the lower level. Shell hoists moved the projectiles from the lower level to the gun loading platform. The back delivery Taylor-Raymond projectile hoists were accepted for service on 20 Sep 1917 and 3 Apr 1918.

Battery Richardson Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	12" Rifle	442.56"	M1895MI		71	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1901, #4, Midvale	1904-1943	See note 1
2	12" Rifle	442.56"	M1895MI		64	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1901, #3, Midvale	1904-1943	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 1 Jul 1921, Coast 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 150-151, 207 Note 1: CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

Battery Richardson Plan

World War I

The U.S. entry into World War I resulted in a widespread removal of large caliber coastal defense gun tubes for service in Europe. Many of the gun and mortar tubes removed were sent to arsenals for modification and mounting on mobile carriages, both wheeled and railroad. Most of the removed gun tubes never made it to Europe and were either remounted or remained at the arsenals until needed elsewhere.

Current Status

Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, Fort Hancock Unit. No period guns or mounts in place.

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Location: Fort Hancock, Monmouth County, New Jersey Maps & Images Lat: 40.4693718 Long: -74.0022272 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: Gun #1=35.643', Gun #2=35.685'

Sources:

Links:

• Coast Defense Study Group, CDSG Press, CDSG Digital Library

Visited: 14 Aug 2010

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