Battery Calef-Wilkeson

 (1897-1942) - A four gun Endicott Period Battery started in 1897 as a reinforced concrete coastal artillery battery on Fort Rosecrans, San Diego County, California. Initially named Battery Wilkeson for Bvt. Lt. Colonel Bayard Wilkeson a U.S. Civil War Artilleryman. In 1915 the battery was divided and guns 3 and 4 became Battery Calef named after Colonel John H. Calef, another artilleryman who fought in the U.S. Civil War. By 1925 the Battery was back in a four gun configuration as Battery Calef-Wilkeson. Construction began 21 Jan 1897 and was completed 31 Jun 1899. The Battery was turned over for service 15 Feb 1900 at a cost of $217,262. Listed for disposal 3 Nov 1942.

Endicott Period (1890-1910)
Established to protect the entrance to San Diego Harbor. Battery Calef-Wilkeson was a battery of three, 10" M1888MI guns and one 10" M1895 gun all mounted on M1896 disappearing carriages. This was a two story battery with the guns located on the upper level and the magazines below. Shells were originally moved from the magazine level to the gun loading platform by two sets of balanced ammunition lifts in each of emplacements 2, 3 & 4. One back delivery Taylor-Raymond shell hoist was installed in each emplacement in 1905 and three of the balanced lifts remained. No powder hoists were provided. The disappearing carriages were equipped with eight horsepower electric retraction motors. Electrical power was furnished by the emplacement power plant in this battery.

In 1915 the battery and the hoists were modified to accept the newer long point shells.



World War I (1917-1918)
One 10" gun from Battery Wilkerson and two 10" guns from Battery Calef were listed to be dismounted for service abroad but were ordered remounted and retained as the war came to a close.

World War II (1941-1945)
Battery Calef-Wilkeson was obsolete at the beginning of the war and the guns and carriages were ordered scrapped on 5 Nov 1942.

Current Status
Active Military installation, no public access. Repurposed by the Navy as a storage facility. No period guns or carriages in place.

Sources:

Links: 
 * National Park Service - Fort Rosecrans