Coastal artillery.

Discussion in 'Artillery' started by von Poop, Nov 28, 2011.

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  1. von Poop

    von Poop Adaministrator Admin

    COASTAL ARTILLERY.
    There were two 14” coastal guns at Dover. These had a range of 24 miles and they could fire heavy shells across the English Channel. They were normally used against shipping in the Channel, either firing on German coastal convoys or firing on German coastal batteries which interfered with British convoys. However they were used briefly in support of 3 Canadian Division during operations in the Pas de Calais area in September 1944. An Auster AOP spotted for them and 189 rounds were fired.

    These guns were reserve guns for the King George V class battleships. They were originally manned by Royal Marines but were handed over to the Royal Artillery. The first gun to be emplaced was named Winnie after Churchill and its partner was named Pooh.

    The standard shell weighed 1,586 lb and the maximum range was 47,250 yards.

    Also available were two 15” guns which had been intended for Penang but were installed at Dover. These fired a 1,938 lb shell to a range of 42,000 yards. This was just enough to reach the French coast.


    COAST OBSERVATION DETACHMENT.
    War Establishment III/313/1. March 1944.

    No3 Detachment is listed on the 21 Army Group Order of Battle. Presumably it was to direct the fire of coastal batteries.

    12 X operator, fire control including
    serjeant
    bombardier
    lance bombardier
    9 X gunner
     
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