Battery Schenck

Battery Schenck (1899-1942) - Battery Alexander Schenck is a concrete Endicott Period 12" mortar battery located on Fort Casey, Whidbey Island, Island County, Washington. Named in G.O. 20, 25 Jan 1906, after Lt. Colonel Alexander D. Schenck, U.S. Artillery Corps, who died 16 Sep 1905. The Battery was begun in 1898, completed in 1899, and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use on 16 Jun 1902 at a total cost of $46,603.50. The mortars were dismounted in 1942 during World War II.

Battery Schenck Pit B
Battery Schenck Mortar Pit A
Battery Schenck, Pit A from Above

Endicott Period (1890-1910)

Part of the Harbor Defense of Puget Sound. Designed to protect both the Straight of Juan De Fuca and the Admiralty Inlet to Puget Sound.

Originally built with eight 12" M1890 MI mortars on M1896 MI carriages in a concrete battery with two mortar pits. Each of the mortars was capable of firing a seven hundred pound shell nine miles and proved accurate enough to hit a moving practice target seven miles away in 1913. This battery was a continuation of Battery Seymour and the two batteries were joined by an earthwork topped with common a set of storerooms.

**Battery Schenck Armament** (edit list)
Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model	Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates
A-1	12" Mortar	141.12"	M1890MI	48b	Bethlehem	Mortar, M1896MI, #141, Am. Hoist & D. Co.	1902-1942
A-2	12" Mortar	141.12"	M1890MI	55d	Bethlehem	Mortar, M1896MI, #139, Am. Hoist & D. Co.	1902-1942
A-3	12" Mortar	141.12"	M1890MI	48a	Builders	Mortar, M1896MI, #140, Am. Hoist & D. Co.	1902-1942
A-4	12" Mortar	141.12"	M1890MI	47	Builders	Mortar, M1896MI, #137, Am. Hoist & D. Co.	1902-1942
B-1	12" Mortar	141.12"	M1890MI	45	Builders	Mortar, M1896MI, #293, Rarig	1902-1942
B-2	12" Mortar	141.12"	M1890MI	54	Bethlehem	Mortar, M1896MI, #126, Am. Hoist & D. Co.	1902-1942
B-3	12" Mortar	141.12"	M1890MI	55c	Watervliet	Mortar, M1896MI, #112, Providence	1902-1942
B-4	12" Mortar	141.12"	M1890MI	14	Niles	Mortar, M1896MI, #127, Am. Hoist & D. Co.	1902-1942
Source: CDSG

World War I (1917-1918)

The U.S. entry into World War I resulted in a widespread removal of large caliber coastal defense gun tubes for service in Europe. Many of the gun and mortar tubes removed were sent to arsenals for modification and mounting on mobile carriages, both wheeled and railroad. Most of the removed gun tubes never made it to Europe and were either remounted or remained at the arsenals until needed elsewhere. Battery Schenck was identified to lose four mortars to the European campaign in 1918. The mortars were retained when it became clear that the war was drawing to a close.

World War II (1941-1945)

All eight of Battery Schenck's mortars were removed in 1942, during World War II.

Current Status

Part of the Fort Casey State Park on Whidbey Island, Island County, Washington. The Battery is accessible to the public and the rooms are clean and dry but empty. No guns or carriages are in place.

Context

Location: Fort Casey, Whidbey Island, Island County, Washington
Lat: 48.161° Long: -122.676° Elevation: 49' Bing, Google, OldMapsOnline, USGS, OHM

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