Signal Hill Battery, Gibraltar

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for batteries at Watson's Bay see Signal Hill Battery

Signal Hill Battery or Signal Battery is an artillery battery in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. The battery is mounted high on the rock. There is little left now because the Gibraltar cable car station is built in the old battery spots.

Video Signal Hill Battery, Gibraltar

History

The top of the Rock of Gibraltar is a natural site for signal stations and Signal Hill as high as 1,200 feet (370 m) has had a Signal Station at least since 1727. In 1773 it had the first 6-hammer pistol mounted. The altitude above the sea level gives an extra range of pistols and can also shoot in all directions. However, the altitude in Gibraltar could be a disadvantage as levanter clouds can disrupt the views of the target shooters.

In 1892, the gun was renewed into a 6-inch QF QF gun mounted on Vavasseur installation. Seven years later the second weapon was added and after two more years there were four 6-inch weapons and two QF 12 pounders of 12 cwt guns. The latter two have a buildup of depression that allows them to be fired to the side of the Rock but they are removed by 1906.

During World War II, Rock was the target of air strikes and two 30-inch 3-inch anti-aircraft guns mounted on the hill along with a 40 mm Bofors pistol.

The battery was then removed and built by Gibraltar Mobil's top station, but there were remnants of the previous cable station used to carry supplies (or a brave) up to Signal Hill tops. In addition to the remains of the previous military buildings there is also a short tunnel that stretches from east to west.

Maps Signal Hill Battery, Gibraltar

Tunnel

Under the battery is a tunnel that still (2013) contains the remnants of accommodation installed for battery shooters. The tunnel that runs from east to west contains a perforated interior that is six to twelve meters high. Inside this room there are remnants of Nissen hut. The small tunnel also contains cooking and other facilities left behind.

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References

Source of the article : Wikipedia