Battery McGrath
Battery McGrath (1900-1943) - Battery McGrath was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 5 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Rosecrans, San Diego County, California. The battery was named in G.O. 16, 14 Feb 1902, after Hugh J. McGrath, 4th U.S. Cavalry, who died 7 nov 1899, of wounds received in action at Noveleta, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 8 Oct 1899. Battery construction started in August 1899, was completed in March 1900 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 17 Nov 1900 at a cost of $ 18,203.71. Deactivated in 1943.
Endicott Period
Part of the Harbor Defense of San Diego.
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 5" M1897 guns mounted on M1896 Balance pillar 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 hand. No shell or powder hoists were provided. Electrical power was furnished by the emplacement power plant in Battery Calef-Wilkenson
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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 guns of Battery McGrath were dismounted and removed for service abroad on 26 Sep 1917. The emplacements were modified for 3" Pedestal mounted M1903 guns from Battery Meed and the guns were mounted in Battery McGrath in 1919.
World War II
Battery McGrath was a part of the Harbor Defenses of San Diego plan until 1943.
Current Status
No period guns or mounts in place.
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Location: Fort Rosecrans, San Diego County, California Maps & Images Lat: 32.68182 Long: 32.68182 |
Sources:
- U.S.Army, Supplement to the Harbor Defense Project of San Diego, (HDSD-AN-45), 1 Jul 1945, CDSG
Links:
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