Bouldnor Battery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bouldnor Battery |
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| Bouldnor, Isle of Wight, England | |
Bouldnor Battery
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 Bouldnor Battery
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| Coordinates | 50°42′35″N 1°27′51″W / 50.709722°N 1.464167°W |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
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| Condition | Decommissioned |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1937–1938 |
| In use | 1939–1956 |
| Events | World War II |
Bouldnor Battery is a former military base located in Bouldnor on the Isle of Wight. A "battery" is a place where big guns are set up to defend an area. This one was used during World War II to protect the coast. It stopped being used in 1956. Today, it is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, which means it's an important historical site protected by law.
Contents
Why Was Bouldnor Battery Built?
Bouldnor Battery was built between 1937 and 1938. Its main job was to protect a safe place for ships to anchor near Yarmouth. This was important for defending the coast, especially as World War II was about to begin.
What Was Inside the Battery?
The battery had two large guns called "6-inch Mk VII guns". These were powerful cannons used to fire at enemy ships. To help load the guns quickly, there were electric lifts for ammunition. There were also two searchlight areas nearby. These lights would help spot enemy ships at night.
A small, strong building called a "pillbox" was also built. This protected the road leading to the battery. Soldiers from the Isle of Wight Rifles were the ones who worked and lived at the battery.
How Was Bouldnor Battery Used in World War II?
The battery was first put into action when World War II started. It was used to defend the coast from enemy attacks. In December 1942, the battery stopped being used for a short time.
However, it was needed again in 1944. A new gun was added, called a "Bofors anti-aircraft gun". This gun was special because it could shoot down enemy planes. After the war ended in 1945, the battery stopped being used again. All its guns were taken away by 1947.
What Happened to the Battery After the War?
Even after the war, Bouldnor Battery was used for a few more years. From 1951 to 1955, it was a place where soldiers could practice shooting their guns. Finally, in 1956, all coastal defenses in Britain were stopped. This meant Bouldnor Battery was completely closed down.
Bouldnor Battery Today
Today, you can't see much of the original battery building. Parts of it are now used as water storage tanks. The underground rooms, like where the ammunition was kept and where the soldiers rested, are now flooded. These flooded areas have become a special home for rare types of newts. The land around the battery is a forest. It is now used by young cadets for training and weekend trips.
