Cranberry Head Battery

Cranberry Head Battery (1917-1948) - Cranberry Head Battery Battery was a coastal gun battery situated on a rocky cliff overlooking the entrance to Sydney Harbor, Cape Breton County, Nova Scotia, Canada. The site experienced two different periods of activity, World War I (1914-1917) and World War II (1940-1948). Last deactivated in 1948.

Cranberry Head Fire-Control and Searchlight Post - September 2014

Chapel Point Battery History

Part of the Harbor Defense of Sydney.

World War I (1914-1918)

When Sydney was selected as a convoy assembly port in June 1917, its defenses increased in importance. There was also agitation to have the defenses of Sydney harbour improved because of the importance and vulnerability of the steel plant and the coal mines. As a result, a number of coastal defense batteries were constructed in the harbour entrance and its approaches, including a battery at Cranberry Head consisting of two 4.7-inch quick-firing guns on concrete mounts, with a concrete magazine and a wooden battery commander's post. One 4.7-inch field gun was moved here from Chapel Point Battery in May 1917, with a third concrete mount built in August 1918.

No incoming ship could approach beyond the line between Flat Point and Cranberry Head without first establishing its identity to a naval examination vessel. One of primary responsibilities of the coastal batteries at Cranberry Head (and Fort Petrie) was to be ready at all times to open fire, first with warning shots and then for effect, on instructions from the examination staff.

World War II (1939-1945)

During WWII a fire-control observation post and two searchlights were located here, located within the WWI battery site.

• 
  Cranberry Head Fire-Control and Searchlight Post
• 
  Cranberry Head Fire-Control and Searchlight Post
• 
  Cranberry Head Fire-Control and Searchlight Post
• 
  Cranberry Head Fire-Control and Searchlight Post
• 
  Cranberry Head Fire-Control and Searchlight Post

Current Status

The site is undeveloped private property accessible by a footpath at the east end of Peck Street. The site contains the remains of the fire control station, a concrete barracks and a concrete gun emplacement (or possibly a searchlight shelter). All of the concrete structures are damaged and covered with grafitti. No period guns or mounts in place.

---

{"selectable":false,"width":"500"}

Location: The town of Sydney Mines in Cape Breton County, Nova Scotia, Canada. Maps & Images Lat: 46.262003 Long: -60.207194 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: ....'

Sources:

• Tennyson, Brian Douglas, 'Sydney Harbour's Contribution To Atlantic Canada's Coastal Defence: An Introduction', NorthernMariner/LeManndunord,I,No.2 (April 1991), pages 23-30

Links:

• North American Forts - Cranberry Head Battery

Visited: 13 September 2014

Cranberry Head Battery Picture Gallery

Click on the picture to see a larger version. Contribute additional pictures - the more the better!