Battery Allen

Battery Allen (1901-1920) - Battery Allen was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 3 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Delaware, Delaware. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 25 May 1903, after 1st Lt. Robert Allen, jr, 1st U.S. Cavalry, who died 27 Jun 1862, of wounds received at the battle of Gaines Mill, Virginia, during the U.S. Civil War. Battery construction started 21 Mar 1899, was completed in Nov 1899 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use on 18 Apr 1901 at a cost of $ 3,800.00. Deactivated in 1920.

Endicott Period

Part of the Harbor Defense of the Delaware.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 3" M1898MI guns mounted on M1898 balance pillar carriages.

Battery Allen Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	3" Rifle	154.5"	M1898MI		18	Driggs-Seabury	Masking Parapet, M1898, #18, Driggs-Seabury	1901-1920	See note 1
2	3" Rifle	154.5"	M1898MI		21	Driggs-Seabury	Masking Parapet, M1898, #21, Driggs-Seabury	1901-1920	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 70-71, 208 Note 1: Carriages scrapped 20 May 1920, guns transferred to Watervliet 4 Aug 1920. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

File:Fort Delaware Battery Allen Plan.jpg

Battery Allen 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. The Battery Allen guns were not affected by the World War I redistribution but were removed under the 1920 disarmament program. On 27 Mar 1920 the AGO approved the removal of the Battery Allen guns and carriages. The carriages were ordered scrapped 20 May 1920 and the gun tubes were transferred to Watervliet 4 Aug 1920.

Current Status

No period guns or mounts in place.

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Location: Fort Delaware, New Castle County, Delaware Maps & Images Lat: 39.589613 Long: -75.566862 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 50.9'

Sources:

Links:

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

Visited: 6 Aug 2010

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