Battery McGrath

 (1900-1945) - Battery McGrath was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 5 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Rosecrans, San Diego County, California. The battery was named in G.O. 16, 14 Feb 1902, after Hugh J. McGrath, 4th U.S. Cavalry, who died 7 Nov 1899, of wounds received in action at Noveleta, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 8 Oct 1899. Battery construction started in August 1899, was completed in March 1900 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 17 Nov 1900 at a cost of $ 18,203.71. Deactivated in 1945.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 5" M1897 guns mounted on M1896 Balance pillar carriages. This was a two story battery with the guns located on the upper level and the magazines below. Shells were moved from the magazine level to the gun loading platform by hand. No shell or powder hoists were provided. Electrical power was furnished by the emplacement power plant in Battery Calef-Wilkeson



World War I (1917-1918)
The guns of were dismounted and removed for service abroad on 26 Sep 1917. The emplacements were modified for 3" Pedestal mounted M1903 guns from Battery Meed and the guns were mounted in Battery McGrath in 1919.

World War II (1941-1945)
Battery McGrath was a part of the Harbor Defenses of San Diego plan through 1945.

Current Status
Active Navy military installation, no public access. No period guns or mounts in place. Battery structure is currently in use for storage.

See Also:
 * Fort Rosecrans
 * Harbor Defense of San Diego

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