Battery Boutelle

Battery Boutelle (1901-1917) - Battery Boutelle was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 5" inch coastal gun battery on Fort Winfield Scott (2), California. The battery was named in G.O. 105, 9 Oct 1902, after 2nd Lt. Henry M. Boutelle, 3rd U.S. Artillery, who was killed in action near Aliaga, Philippine Islands, 2 Nov 1899. Battery construction started in 1898, was completed in 1901 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 1 Oct 1901 at a cost of $ 27,030.22. Deactivated in 1917.

Battery Boutelle View from Above	Battery Boutelle Gun Emplacement
Battery Boutelle Lower Level

Endicott Period (1890-1910)

Part of the Harbor Defense of San Francisco.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with three 5" M1897 rapid fire guns mounted on M1896 balanced pillar carriages. This was a two story battery with the guns located on the upper level and the magazines below. Shells were moved from the magazine level to the gun loading platform by hand. No shell or powder hoists were provided. Electrical power was furnished by the central power plant.

Battery Boutelle Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	5" Rifle	225"	M1897		17	Bethlehem	Balanced pillar, M1896, #13, Bethlehem	1901-1917	See note 1
2	5" Rifle	225"	M1897		15	Bethlehem	Balanced pillar, M1896, #12, Bethlehem	1901-1917	See note 1
3	5" Rifle	225"	M1897		3	Bethlehem	Balanced pillar, M1896, #14, Bethlehem	1901-1917	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 1 Mar 1920, RCB, 31 Dec 1903, CDSG, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 88-89 Note 1: Guns were shipped to the Watervliet Arsenal 31 Dec 1917 and the carriages were scrapped 26 May 1920, CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

Battery Boutelle Plan

World War I (1917-1918)

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. The three 5" guns of Battery Boutelle were ordered dismounted for use abroad on 24 Aug 1917 and on 18 Jul 1918 they were reported as having been transfered for service abroad. The gun cards indicate that the guns were shipped to the Watervliet Arsenal 31 Dec 1917 for service abroad, all were shipped overseas and all were returned to the U.S. after the war. Battery Boutelle was not rearmed after the war.

Current Status

Part of the Golden Gate Recreation Area (GGNRA) administered by the National Park Service. No gun or mounts in place.

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Location: Fort Winfield Scott, California Maps & Images Lat: 37.804444 Long: -122.476944 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 242.2'

Sources:

• Kent, Matthew W., Harbor Defenses of San Francisco - A Field Guide 1890 to 1950, Copyright 2009, Blurb, ISBN 978-1-61584-163-9, page 30-31

Links:

• CDSG

Visited: 22 Aug 2009

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