243rd Coast Artillery (United States) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 243rd Coast Artillery Regiment |
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Coat of arms
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| Active | 1924 – 1944 |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Coast artillery |
| Role | Harbor defense |
| Size | Regiment |
| Part of | Harbor Defenses of Narragansett Bay |
| Garrison/HQ | Fort Adams |
| Motto(s) | Game to the last |
| Mascot(s) | Oozlefinch |
The 243rd Coast Artillery Regiment was a special group of soldiers. They were part of the Rhode Island National Guard. Their job was to protect the Harbor Defenses of Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. They did this from 1924 to 1944.
Contents
What was the 243rd Coast Artillery?
The 243rd Coast Artillery was formed on May 29, 1924. It was the part of the Rhode Island National Guard that helped defend Narragansett Bay. The 10th Coast Artillery was the regular army unit that also helped with these defenses.
The main building where the 243rd soldiers met was the Cranston Street Armory in Providence, Rhode Island. In October 1944, the regiment was split into two smaller groups called battalions. This was part of a big change across the whole Army.
How did the 243rd Regiment begin?
The regiment officially started on July 11, 1924. It was created by changing the name of an older unit. In 1928, Colonel Cyril L. D. Wells was in charge of the regiment.
On September 16, 1940, World War II was happening in Europe. The regiment was called into full-time service for the country. There was a public ceremony and a parade in Providence, Rhode Island. Colonel Earl C. Webster was the commander at that time.
The regiment moved to Fort Adams in Newport on September 22, 1940. Over the next few months, they spread out to different forts around Narragansett Bay.
On March 14, 1941, the main office of the regiment moved to Fort Getty in Jamestown.
New Guns and Forts for Defense
In 1942, a new gun battery called Battery Gray was built. It had two very large 16-inch guns. This battery was at Fort Church in Little Compton.
In 1943, a similar battery called Battery Hamilton was built. It was at Fort Greene in Point Judith. These new, powerful guns replaced all the older, heavier guns in Narragansett Bay. The older guns were soon taken apart.
New 6-inch gun batteries were also built. They were at Fort Greene, Fort Church, and Fort Burnside. These new guns mostly replaced the smaller weapons.
In June 1943, a part of the 243rd, called Battery D, moved. It joined the 8th Coast Artillery in Portland, Maine.
Who Protected Narragansett Bay?
By December 31, 1943, the 243rd Regiment was protecting the forts in the West Passage of Narragansett Bay. Their main location was Fort Greene. They also had 6-inch guns at Fort Varnum and Fort Burnside.
The 243rd also used four special batteries of 90 mm guns. These were called Anti-Motor Torpedo Boat (AMTB) batteries. They were at Fort Varnum and other older forts.
At the same time, the 10th Coast Artillery was protecting Fort Church. This fort was on the Sakonnet River. The 10th Coast Artillery also had an AMTB battery at Brenton Point. The 10th CA was also in charge of the underwater minefields in both the West and East Passages.
On February 22, 1944, the 243rd's batteries were moved around. They took over all the 6-inch and AMTB batteries in Narragansett Bay. The 3rd Battalion of the 243rd was then closed down. In March 1944, the 10th Coast Artillery left the area. Its equipment was given to the Narragansett Bay defenses.
On October 7, 1944, the 243rd Regiment was split up. It became the 188th and 189th Coast Artillery Battalions. Both were at Fort Adams. These battalions were then closed down on April 1, 1945. Any remaining parts were given to the Narragansett Bay defenses.
Where did the 243rd Regiment come from?
The history of the 243rd Regiment goes way back. It can be traced to the 1st Regiment Rhode Island Militia from the Revolutionary War. Later units served in the Civil War and the Spanish–American War.
Around 1907, the Coast Artillery Corps (CAC) of the Rhode Island National Guard (RING) was created. Some of Rhode Island's coast artillery companies fought in France during World War I. They were part of regiments like the 52nd Artillery.
On June 14, 1920, the Rhode Island National Guard's coast artillery was reorganized. It became the 1st Coast Defense Command, RING. On September 14, 1923, this command was renamed the 243rd Artillery, CAC. Finally, on July 11, 1924, it became the 243rd Coast Artillery Regiment.
As of 2018, the history of the 243rd is carried on. It is by the 243rd Regiment (Regional Training Institute). This unit is part of the Rhode Island Army National Guard. It is located at Camp Varnum in Narragansett, Rhode Island.
Symbols of the 243rd Regiment
What is the Distinctive Unit Insignia?
- Shield: This is the main part of the symbol. It has a red background. On top of it is a blue "X" shape with a silver border. On the "X" is a silver maple leaf. On the maple leaf is a Rhode Island Red rooster. In the top right corner, there is a silver wall shape with a green pine tree.
- Motto: Game to the last.
What is the Coat of Arms?
- Shield: This is the same as the shield for the insignia. It has a red background. On top of it is a blue "X" shape with a silver border. On the "X" is a silver maple leaf. On the maple leaf is a Rhode Island Red rooster. In the top right corner, there is a silver wall shape with a green pine tree.
- Crest: This is the part above the shield. It is for regiments of the Rhode Island National Guard. It shows a golden anchor standing upright. The anchor is the symbol of Rhode Island. It means stability, which means being strong and steady.
- Motto: Game to the last.
