Battery Barry

Battery Barry (1897-1918) - Battery Barry was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 10 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Wadsworth (1), Richmond County, New York. The battery was named in G.O. 16, 14 Feb 1902, after Col. William F. Barry (Cullum 957), 2nd U.S. Artillery, (MG U.S. Volunteers) and chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac, who died 18 Jul 1879. Battery construction started in 1897, was completed in 1899 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 18 Dec 1897 at a cost of $ 61,498.67. Deactivated in 1918.

Fort Wadsworth Battery Barry Unarmed, 11 Jan 1932

Endicott Period

Part of the Harbor Defense of Southern New York.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 10" M1888 guns mounted on M1896 disappearing carriages.

This was a two story battery with the guns mounted on the upper level and the magazines on the lower level. Two Hodges back delivery shell chain hoists moved the shells from the magazine level to the gun loading platform. The Hodges shell hoists were later upgraded with electric motors. Two type A powder hoists were installed.

Battery Barry Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	10" Rifle	278.5"	M1888		23	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1896, #21, Bethlehem	1897-1918	See note 1
2	10" Rifle	278.5"	M1888		24	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1896, #22, Bethlehem	1897-1918	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 2 Feb 1922, 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 124-125, 207 Note 1: Guns transferred to Watervliet on 11 Sep 1918, carriages ordered scrapped 26 May 1920. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

Battery Barry 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. The two guns of Battery Barry were ordered dismounted and shipped to Watervliet for service abroad on 29 May 1918. The guns were transferred to Watervliet on 11 Sep 1918 and the carriages were ordered scrapped 26 May 1920.

Current Status

No period guns or mounts in place.

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Location: Fort Wadsworth, Richmond County, New York Maps & Images Lat: 40.5991728 Long: -74.0584141 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: .....'

Sources:

Links:

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

Visited: 15 Aug 2010

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