Battery Wilhelm

 (1902-1942) - Battery Wilhelm was a reinforced concrete Endicott Period 12 inch gun battery on Fort Flagler, Washington. Named in G.O. 16, 14 Feb 1902, after Capt. William Herman Wilhelm, 21st U.S. Infantry who was killed in 1901 while fighting Philippine insurgents. Battery construction started in 1897, was completed in 1899 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 17 Aug 1902 at a cost of $71,190.68. Deactivated in 1942.



Endicott Period
These carriages were unique in that only three were built and placed in service; they were left over from the gun lift carriage program that started and ended with Battery Potter at Fort Hancock.

In 1914 the telephone switchboard and batteries were removed from the plotting room building behind the Battery Wilhelm and placed underground in Battery Wilhelm for greater protection. The plotting room building was subsequently modified to provide a dormitory room for telephone operators and work space for artillery engineering.



World War II
The guns and carriages of Battery Wilhelm were ordered scrapped 24 Oct 1942.

Current Status
A part of Fort Flagler State Park. No guns or mounts in place.

Sources:

Links: 
 * Battery Wilhelm Photo Gallery