Battery Torbert

 (1901-1940) - Battery Torbert was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Delaware, New Castle County, Delaware. The battery was named in G.O. 78, 25 May 1903, after Capt. Alfred T.A. Torbert, 5th U.S. Infantry, major general, U.S. Volunteers, who served with distinction during the U.S. Civil War and who was drowned at sea 8 Aug 1880. Battery construction started 11 Dec 1894, was completed 19 Oct 1900 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 18 Apr 1901 at a cost of $ 350,000.00. Deactivated in 1940.

Endicott Period
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with three 12" M1895 guns mounted on M1896 disappearing carriages. This was a three story battery built within the walls of the old Third System fort. The guns were mounted on the upper level and the magazines were located below. Three Hodges back delivery electric shell hoists brought the shells from the magazine level to the gun loading platform. No powder hoists were provided. Electric power for the shell hoists, gun retraction motors and lighting came from a power plant in Battery Torbert.

The gun tubes were all mounted in March 1900.



World War I
The guns of Battery Torbert were not affected by either the World War I redistribution or the following 1920 disarmament program.

The Hodges back delivery shell hoists were replaced in 1919 by three Taylor-Raymond electric front delivery shell hoists that were accepted for service on 18 Jun 1919. The shell hoists were also modified for the newer long point shells.

World War II
The guns were transferred to Watervliet Arsenal on 7 Dec 1940 and were later shipped to San Juan, Puerto Rico. The carriages were ordered scrapped 28 Jan 1941 but were actually scrapped in March 1943.

Current Status
Battery not open to the public. No period guns or mounts in place.

Recent Blog Posts:
 * Fort Mott, Fort Delaware and Fort DuPont on the Delaware River

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