Battery Mitchell (2)

Battery Mitchell (2) (1905-1917) - Battery Mitchell was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 6 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Greble (2), Newport County, Rhode Island. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 25 May 1903, after Captain David D. Mitchell, 15th U.S. Infantry, who was killed 17 Sep 1900, in action with insurgent Filipinos at Mavitac, Laguna Province, Luzon Philippine Islands. Battery construction started in August 1903, was completed in December 1904 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 29 Dec 1905 at a cost of $ 85,360.00. Deactivated in 1917.

Endicott Period

Part of the Harbor Defense of Narragansett Bay.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with three 6" M1903 guns mounted on M1903 disappearing carriages. This is a two story battery with the guns on the upper level and the magazines on the lower level. No shell or powder hoists provided.

Battery Mitchell Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	6" Rifle	302.9"	M1903		38	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1903, #21, Morgan	1905-1917	See note 1
2	6" Rifle	302.9"	M1903		37	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1903, #20, Morgan	1905-1917	See note 1
3	6" Rifle	302.9"	M1903		32	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1903, #19, Morgan	1905-1917	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 15 Jun 1925, Coast Defense Study Group, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 98-99,205 Note 1: Guns transferred to Watervliet 27 Nov 1917, carriages ordered scrapped 26 May 1920. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

Battery Mitchell 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. On 24 Aug 1917 all three guns at Battery Mitchell were ordered dismounted for use abroad. The guns were transferred to Watervliet on 27 Nov 1917 and all three eventually made it to France. The carriages were ordered scrapped on 26 May 1920 as a part of the World War I disarmament program. Battery Mitchell was not rearmed.

In 1921 a pair of 3" M1917 anti-aircraft (AA) guns were mounted in front of emplacements #2 and #3 and accepted for service 29 Oct 1921.

In 1923 a mining casemate was built into the lower rooms of gun emplacement #1 and accepted for service 6 Jul 1923.

Current Status

Part of Dutch Island State Wildlife Management Area. No period guns or mounts in place.

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Location: Dutch Island State Wildlife Management Area, Newport County, Rhode Island Maps & Images Lat: 41.503463 Long: -71.401101 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: .....'

Sources:

• U.S.Army, Supplement to the Harbor Defense Project of Narragansett Bay, (HDNARB-AP-45), 1 Feb 1945, CDSG

Links: CDSG

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