Battery Bloomfield

 (1899-1943) - Battery Bloomfield was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 12 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Hancock (2), New Jersey. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after BG Joseph Bloomfield, U.S. Army, who served with distinction during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and who died 3 Oct 1832. The two gun emplacements of his battery were part of the nine gun emplacements of the main gun line built at Fort Hancock (2) and originally called Battery Halleck. The main gun line was later divided into four named batteries by G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904 (Battery Halleck, Battery Alexander (2), Battery Bloomfield and Battery Richardson). Battery construction started in 1898, was completed in 1899 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 20 Dec 1899 at a cost of $ 94,227.89. Deactivated in 1943.

Endicott Period
Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with two 12" M1888MI1/2 guns mounted on M1896 disappearing carriages. This was a two story battery with the guns on the upper level and a separate magazine for each emplacement on the lower level. Shell hoists moved the projectiles from the lower level to the gun loading platform. The back delivery Taylor-Raymond projectile hoists were accepted for service on 20 Sep 1917.



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

A concrete BC Station was built onto the back of the center traverse and accepted for service on 27 Jun 1921 at a cost of $ 3,537.55.

World War II
The guns and carriages were found to be obsolete and ordered salvaged 23 Oct 1943.

Current Status
Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, Fort Hancock Unit. No period guns or mounts in place.

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