Fort Miles 8 Inch Gun and FCT7
by Bill Swartwout
Title
Fort Miles 8 Inch Gun and FCT7
Artist
Bill Swartwout
Medium
Photograph - Color Photographs
Description
This MKVI 3A 11 8 Inch Anti-ship gun is currently in the "Gun Park" at Fort Miles, Cape Henlopen, Lewes, Delaware. This "cannon" weighs 79 tons and fires a 36 inch long shell with a range of 20 miles. From it's location at For Miles it offered defensive firepower across the entire entrance to Delaware Bay. In fact, its firing range could put a shell over the top of Cape May, New Jersey.
In the background is Fire Control Tower #7. FCT7 is one of the series of such towers manned with observers to locate/track an enemy vessel and coordinate the targeting and firing the the big guns at the fort. Together these provided an impressive coastal defense during World War II. Fort Miles was (supposedly) a "top secret" installation. This photographer believes that just enough information was "leaked" that the German Navy never did attempt an incursion into the Delaware Bay.
This would make an awesome gift for a military history buff - especially if they have an interest in the Coastal Defenses of the USA during WWII. Or, if you have an interest, where would you likely display this in your home or office?
Uploaded
November 9th, 2014
Statistics
Viewed 750 Times - Last Visitor from Chicago, IL on 04/18/2024 at 5:05 AM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet
