Battery Forse

Battery Forse (1899-1917) - Battery Forse was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 8 inch coastal gun battery on Fort St. Philip, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 25 May 1903, after Major Albert G. Forse, 1st U.S. Cavalry, who was killed 1 Jul 1898, at the battle of San Juan, Cuba. Battery construction started 27 Dec 1897, was completed in October 1899 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 25 Oct 1899 at a cost of $ 100,000. Deactivated in 1917.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)

Part of the Harbor Defense of the Mississippi.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 8" M1888MII guns mounted on M1896 Disappearing carriages. 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-Raymond front delivery shell hoists. No powder hoists were provided. Electrical power was furnished by the central power plant.

Battery Forse Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	8" Rifle	278.5"	M1888MII		18	Bethlehem	Disappearing, M1896, #6, Watertown	1899-1918	See note 1
2	8" Rifle	278.5"	M1888MII		37	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1896, #7, Watertown	1899-1918	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 26 Mar 1919, CDSG, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 110-111 Note 1: Guns ordered dismounted 24 Aug 1917 and transferred to Watervliet 21 Dec 1917. The carriages were scrapped in May 1918. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

File:Fort St. Philip Battery Forse Plan.jpg

Battery Forse 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 two guns of Battery Forse were ordered dismounted for use abroad on 24 Aug 1917 and were transferred to Watervliet 21 Dec 1917. The carriages were scrapped in May 1918. Battery Forse was not rearmed after the war.

Current Status

No period guns or mounts in place.

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Location: Fort St. Philip, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana Maps & Images Lat: 29.3633637 Long: -89.4636226 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: Gun #1= 20.74', Gun #2= 20.64'

Sources:

Links:

• CDSG

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