Battery Thornburgh

Battery Thornburgh (1904-1920) - Battery Thomas Thornburgh was a reinforced concrete, Endicott Period 3 inch coastal gun battery on Fort Ward (2), Washington. The battery was named in G.O. 194, 27 Dec 1904, after Maj. Thomas T. Thornburgh, 4th U.S. Infantry, who was killed in action against Indians at Milk River, Colorado, 29 Sep 1879. Battery construction started in 1900, was completed in 1903 and transferred to the Coastal Artillery for use 18 Jan 1904 at a cost of $ 21,884.50. Deactivated in 1920.

Battery Thornburgh Gun Emplacement	Battery Thornburgh Magazine Interior
Battery Thornburgh

Battery Thornburgh History

Part of the Harbor Defense of Puget Sound. Built to protect the Bremerton Navy Yard and the Rich Passage.

Endicott Period

Originally built as an Endicott Period concrete coastal gun battery with four 3" M1898MI rapid fire guns mounted on M1898 balanced pillar carriages. This was a two story battery with the guns on the upper level and the magazines and service rooms below. Each of the gun emplacements had an associated magazine and bombproof located below. No shell or powder hoists were provided. An observation station was built into each of the battery flanks. Guns and carriages were transferred to the battery from Driggs-Seabury 11 Jun 1904, five months after the battery was accepted for use.

Battery Thornburgh Armament (edit list)

Empl No	Caliber Type	Barrel Length	Model		Serial No	Manufacturer	Carriage	Service Dates	Notes
1	3" Rifle	154.5"	M1898MI		9	Driggs-Seabury	Masking Parapet, M1898, #9, Driggs-Seabury	1904-1920	See note 1
1	3" Rifle	154.5"	M1898MI		15	Driggs-Seabury	Masking Parapet, M1898, #15, Driggs-Seabury	1904-1920	See note 1
1	3" Rifle	154.5"	M1898MI		40	Driggs-Seabury	Masking Parapet, M1898, #40, Driggs-Seabury	1904-1920	See note 1
1	3" Rifle	154.5"	M1898MI		45	Driggs-Seabury	Masking Parapet, M1898, #45, Driggs-Seabury	1904-1920	See note 1
Source: RCW Form 1, Sep 1925, CDSG, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 70-71, 216 Note 1: Guns transferred to Watervliet 19 Jul 1920, carriages scrapped 20 May 1920. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA

Battery Thornburgh Plan

World War I

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. The four 3" guns at Battery Thornburgh escaped the World War I redistribution but were caught up in the 1920 disarmament program. On 27 Mar 1920 the removal of all four Battery Thornburg guns was approved. All four guns were transferred to the Watervliet Arsenal on 19 Jul 1920 and all four carriages were scrapped 20 May 1920.

Current Status

Part of Fort Ward State Park. No period guns or mounts in place.

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Location: Fort Ward State Park, Washington Maps & Images Lat: 47.586425 Long: -122.528717 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 90.583.'

Sources:

• Coast Defense Study Group, Press, Digital Library, Forums

Links:

Visited: 18 Apr 2010

Battery Thornburgh Picture Gallery

Click on the picture to see a larger version. Contribute additional pictures - the more the better!

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  Battery Thornburgh Magazine Entrance
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  Battery Thornburgh Bombproof Entrance
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  Battery Thornburgh Observation Post
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  Battery Thornburgh Gun Emplacement
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  Battery Thornburg Bombproof Interior