Battery Read

Battery Read (1899-1918) - Battery Read was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal gun battery on Fort DuPont (1), Delaware. The battery was named in G.O. 16, 14 feb 1902, after George Read, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Senator, and Chief Justice of the State of Delaware. Battery construction started 1 May 1898, was completed 31 Dec 1898 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 12 Jan 1899 at a cost of $ 80,829.68. Deactivated in 1918.

Battery Read History

Part of the Harbor Defense of the Delaware.

Endicott Period

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 12" M1888MI1/2 guns mounted on M1892 Barbette carriages.

Battery Read Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	12" Rifle	440"	M1888MI1/2		37	Morgan	Barbette, M1892, #21, Morgan	1899-1918	See note 1
2	12" Rifle	440"	M1888MI1/2		38	Morgan	Barbette, M1892, #22, Morgan	1899-1918	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 30 Sep 1924, CDSG, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 136-137, 208 Note 1: Guns transferred to Fort Hamilton, Battery Doubleday 1 Jul 1918. One carriage scrapped 16 Jun 1918, one sent to Fort Hancock. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

File:Fort DuPont (1) Battery Read Plan.jpg

Battery Read 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. Declared obsolete in 1915.

Current Status

No period guns or mounts in place.

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Location: Fort DuPont State Park, New Castle County, Delaware Maps & Images Lat: 39.5682412 Long: -75.5784166 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: Gun #1=34.42, Gun #2=34.39'

Sources:

Links:

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

Visited: 6 Aug 2010

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