Battery Torbert

Battery Torbert (1901-1940) - Battery Torbert was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Delaware, Delaware. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 25 May 1903, after Capt. Alfred T.A. Torbert, 5th U.S. Infantry, major general, U.S. Volunteers, who served with distinction during the U.S. Civil War and who was drowned at sea 8 Aug 1880. Battery construction started 11 Dec 1894, was completed 19 Oct 1900 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 18 Apr 1901 at a cost of $ 350,000.00. Deactivated in 1940.

Endicott Period

Part of the Harbor Defense of the Delaware.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with three 12" M1895 guns mounted on M1896 disappearing carriages.

Battery Torbert Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	12" Rifle	442.56"	M1895		15	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1896, #13, Watertown	1901-1940	See note 1 Mounted 14 Mar 1900
2	12" Rifle	442.56"	M1895		18	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1896, #14, Watertown	1901-1940	See note 1 Mounted 24 Mar 1900
3	12" Rifle	442.56"	M1895		20	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1896, #15, Watertown	1901-1940	See note 1 Mounted 5 Mar 1900
Source: RCW Form 1, 1 Sep 1922, CDSG, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 138-139, 208 Note 1: Guns transferred to Watervliet 7 Dec 1940, carriages ordered scrapped 28 Jan 1941. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

Battery Torbert 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.

World War II

The guns were transferred to Watervliet Arsenal on 7 Dec 1940 and were later shipped to San Juan, Puerto Rico. The carriages were ordered scrapped 28 Jan 1941.

Current Status

No period guns or mounts in place.

---

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

Location: Fort DuPont, New Castle County, Delaware Maps & Images Lat: 39.589311 Long: -75.567194 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 50.11'

Sources:

Links:

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

Visited: 6 Aug 2010

Battery Torbert Picture Gallery

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