Monument record MWX1379 - New Breakwater 'A' Pier Head
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Summary
New Breakwater A Pier Head coastal battery, built as part of Portland's coastal defences. The battery opened in 1901 and was armed with two 12-pounder quick-firing (QF) guns for anti-torpedo craft defence. In 1944 emplacements were constructed to replace the 12-pounder guns with 6-pounders, which were mounted by 1954. A field visit in 1983 found the structure had been demolished.
Map
Type and Period (1)
Full Description
Coast artillery battery. 2 x 12pdr. 12ctw. Mk 1 guns (1940) and 1 x twin 6pdrs. QF 10ctw. guns. No.1 Gun coastal battery. Breakwater still in reasonable condition. [information from 1963 aerial photographs]. 'A' Head, North Eastern Breakwater (Middle Arm), Portland. <1-3>
A Pier Head coastal battery located at SY 706 763 on the southern tip of the detatched or New Breakwater. The battery opened in 1901 and was armed with two 12-pounder quick-firing (QF) guns for anti-torpedo craft defence. In 1944 emplacements were constructed to replace the 12-pounder guns with 6-pounders, which were mounted by 1954. During the Second World War it was manned by 106 Battery of 522 Coast Regiment. B Pier Head Battery was located at SY 696 773 and C Pier Head Battery at SY 695 774. <4-5>
Sources/Archives (6)
- <1> SWX5 Digital archive: Council for British Archaeology. 1995. Defence of Britain Project. S0011286.
- <2> SDO128 Machine readable data file: Council for British Archaeology. 2003. Defence of Britain Project Database. S0011286.
- <3> SDO17227 Excavation archive: Council for British Archaeology. 2006. Defence of Britain Project Archive DEB01. S0011286.
- <4> SDO17228 Monograph: Dobinson, C S. 2000. Twentieth century fortifications in England. Volume 6.1. Coast Artillery, 1900-1956. 176-181.
- <5> SDO17229 Monograph: Dobinson, C S. 2000. Twentieth century fortifications in England. Volume 6.2. Coast artillery, 1900-1956. 271.
- <6> SDO14739 Digital archive: National Record of the Historic Environment. 1425471.
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (2)
Location
| Grid reference | SY 70520 76320 (point) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | SY77NW |
| Unitary Authority | Dorset |
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Other Statuses/References
- Defence of Britain database: S0011286
- Legacy UID: Dorset Sites and Monuments Record: 4 001 165
- Legacy UID: National Monuments Record: SY 77 NW 15
- Legacy UID: National Record of the Historic Environment: 1425471
Record last edited
Nov 20 2023 11:57AM
