Monument record MWX1379 - New Breakwater 'A' Pier Head

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.

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>

<1> Council for British Archaeology, 1995, Defence of Britain Project, S0011286 (Digital archive). SWX5.

<2> Council for British Archaeology, 2003, Defence of Britain Project Database, S0011286 (Machine readable data file). SDO128.

<3> Council for British Archaeology, 2006, Defence of Britain Project Archive DEB01, S0011286 (Excavation archive). SDO17227.

<4> Dobinson, C S, 2000, Twentieth century fortifications in England. Volume 6.1. Coast Artillery, 1900-1956, 176-181 (Monograph). SDO17228.

<5> Dobinson, C S, 2000, Twentieth century fortifications in England. Volume 6.2. Coast artillery, 1900-1956, 271 (Monograph). SDO17229.

<6> National Record of the Historic Environment, 1425471 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Nov 20 2023 11:57AM