Battery Terrill (1)

Battery Terrill (1) (1902-1943) - Battery Terrill 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 Brigadier General William B. Terrill, U.S. Volunteers (captain, 5th U.S. Artillery), who was killed in action at Perryville, Kentucky, 8 Oct 1862, during the U.S. Civil War. Battery construction started in 1899, was completed in 1902 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 21 Nov 1902 at a cost of $ 86,673.33. Deactivated in 1943.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)

Part of the Harbor Defense of Boston, Massachusetts.

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with three 6" M1897MI guns mounted on M1898 Disappearing carriages. This was a single story battery with the guns located on the same level as the magazines. Shells were moved from the magazine to the gun loading platform by hand up a short set of stairs. No shell or powder hoists were provided. Electrical power was furnished by the emplacement power plant.

**Battery Terrill Armament** (edit list)
Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model	Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	6" Rifle	277.85"	M1897MI	2	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1898, #15, Watertown	1902-1943	See note 1
2	6" Rifle	277.85"	M1897MI	6	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1898, #16, Watertown	1902-1943	See note 1
3	6" Rifle	277.85"	M1897MI	10	Watervliet	Disappearing, M1898, #17, Watertown	1902-1943	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, 1 Apr 1928, CDSG, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 94-95 Note 1: Guns transferred to Watervliet 4 Jun 1943, carriages being salvaged 12 Apr 1943. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

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 Terrill (1) were not affected by the World War I redistribution or the following 1920 disarmament program.

World War II (1941-1945)

Battery Terrill was a part of the Harbor Defenses of Boston plan until 7 Apr 1943 when the return of the guns and the salvage of the carriages was authorized. Construction of Battery AMTB 943 had already begun around the battery and the battery magazines were used by the new AMTB battery.

Current Status

No period guns or mounts in place.

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Location: Lovell's Island, Plymouth County, Massachusetts

Maps & Images

Lat: 42.3331 Long: -70.930886

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Elevation: 29.0'

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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