Darrells Battery
This Battery is north west of the fort and was the site of Beauclerks Battery and a later saluting battery. Originally called Minefield Battery its name was changed in 1904 to Darells after the Commander of the fort who in July 1667 defeated the Dutch attack on Landguard.
Around 1901 a new battery was constructed at a cost of 2,798 pounds. It was armed with two 4.7" PL (breach loader) guns. The ready for use ammunition for the guns was stored in recesses either side of them and because this would not be a sufficient supply in an action, a door was cut in the side of the Caponier (a Caponier is a chamber or sheltered passageway which projects into the moat, allowing flanking fire). This allowed access to the magazines within the fort. A rather unsuitable distance to cover if under fire.
In 1940 with the need to protect the harbour against attack by 'E' boats the battery was rebuild to take two twin six pounder guns. Whilst the reconstruction work was being carried out, two 12 pdr guns were mounted each side of the battery to give some protection to the area until the work was completed. Although the new works were quite considerable, parts of the old battery can still be seen. Between the two emplacements the shelter survives with its plaque commemorating Darell and some of the ammunition recesses remain on the up river side of the battery.
The battery consists of two fire and searchlight control towers, magazines and shelters for the gun detachments. Remains of the camouflage paint from the last war can still be seen on the walls of the battery. The magazine ammunition hoists for the twin six pounders no longer exist, but one of the control panels for them does. It was built by a lift company named Evans. This company is still operating and was able to supply a copy of the original plans for the lifts.
