Battery Whipple

Battery Whipple (1904-1947) - Battery Amiel Whipple was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 6 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Standish (1), Lovell's Island, Plymouth County, Massachusetts. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after Major General Amiel W. Whipple, U.S. Volunteers (major, U.S. Corps of Engineers), who died of wounds received in action at Chancellorsville, Virginia, 4 May 1863, during the U.S. Civil War. Battery construction started in 1901, was completed in 1904 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 29 Dec 1904 at a cost of $ 21,900.00. Deactivated in 1947.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)

Part of the Harbor Defense of Boston, Massachusetts.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 6" M1900 guns mounted on M1900 Pedestal mounts. 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 two, taylor front delivery, hand operated shell hoists. No powder hoists were provided. Electrical power was furnished by the power plant between Battery Burbeck and Battery Morris.

Battery Whipple Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	6" Rifle	310.4"	M1900		11	Watervliet	Pedestal, M1900, #1, Watertown	1904-1917 1919-1947	See note 1
2	6" Rifle	310.4"	M1900		12	Watervliet	Pedestal, M1900, #30, Watertown	1904-1917 1919-1947	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 1 May 1921, CDSG, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 96-97 Note 1: Guns transferred to Morgan 27 Sep 1917 and transferred back from Camp Eustis 4 Apr 1919. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

Battery Whipple 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 guns of Battery Whipple were ordered dismounted for use abroad on 24 Aug 1917. Both guns were transferred to Morgan on 27 Sep 1917. Neither one of the guns actually made it overseas and they were both transferred back to Battery Whipple on 4 Apr 1919.

World War II (1941-1945)

Battery Whipple was a part of the Harbor Defenses of Boston plan throughout World War II. The gun platforms were authorize to be extended 22 Dec 1941.

The battery was declared surplus and deactivated in 1947.

Current Status

No period guns or mounts in place.

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Location: Lovell's Island, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Maps & Images Lat: 42.326404 Long: -70.924375 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 31.7'

Sources:

• U.S.Army, Supplement to the Harbor Defense Project of Boston, Massachusetts, (HDB-AN-45), 31 Jan 1945, CDSG

Links:

• CDSG

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