Connaught Battery

Connaught Battery overlooking the entrance to the inner portion of Halifax Harbor
Connaught Battery in Ferguson's Cove, Nova Scotia

Connaught Battery is a World War I era harbour defence battery located north of York Redoubt at Ferguson's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada.[1] It took its name from the then Governor General of Canada, the Duke of Connaught,[2] who was Queen Victoria's third son.

Construction

Built between 1912 and 1917 the battery was a part of Halifax Harbour's larger Defense Complex, which included other fortifications such as Fort George (Citadel Hill).[3] Connaught Battery was the only new structure built by the military after 1905, with a grand total area of 2.5 hectares and a floor space of 447 sq. metres.[4]

Halifax Harbour has always had a strategic and commercial importance, even since colonial times and was always a well-fortified location. During World War II it became a training ground for Canadian troops before deployment, it was then armed with three 4.7-inch quick-firing guns.[5]

Today

Today Connaught Battery is an abandoned complex, but open to the public to use as a municipal park.[6] The cement casemates of the fort remain in good condition.

References

  1. ↑ Payette, Pete. "COAST ARTILLERY DEFENCES, HALIFAX HARBOUR". www.northamericanforts.com. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
  2. ↑ "Guns Over Falkland". geocaching.com. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
  3. ↑ Skaarup, Harold A. Shelldrake: Canadian Artillery Museums and Gun Monuments.
  4. ↑ "Connaught Battery". Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
  5. ↑ "Connaught Battery". www.uer.ca. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
  6. ↑ "Connaught Battery Park survey is in". live.haligonia.ca. Retrieved 3 October 2012.

Coordinates: 44°36′18″N 63°33′39″W / 44.60500°N 63.56083°W / 44.60500; -63.56083


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