6 Inch QF Battery

The armament. A diagram of a 6 inch QF barrel

in 1896 plans were drawn up to replace the 7 inch RML guns with superior 6 inch QF guns. these guns would give a step-change in the fort's capabilities. The 6 inch guns had twice the range of the 7 inch, had greater hitting power, and importantly could fire seven more accurately aimed rounds per minute compared to a more leisurely one round in 4½ minutes for the 7 inch gun.

Two sets of plans were drawn up in rapid succession. The first had a two-part magazine, with the main magazine between the guns, and a second smaller cartridge store exclusively for the right-hand gun. The second plan was like the 6 inch QF magazine on mount Siloso, but without the second cartridge store that was at Siloso. This new plan also had a small underground chamber to the right of the emplacement, the purpose of which is not stated on the plan. The evidence on the ground today indicates that there may be a small chamber, but not quite as in the plan.

The No.1 Emplacement from the road

LEFT: As built, the emplacement differs from the sets of plans that I have. These plans show that the guns were to be mounted on flat platforms, a method that was common with 6 inch QF Guns. However, as can be seen today, the guns were placed in wells, more commonly seen on 6 inch BL gun batteries. Was this done as a transition from one type of emplacement to another?

Evidence on the ground shows that the ammunition supply was as other QF gun batteries, such as that on Mount Siloso. A Ladder Lift would raise shells from the magazine to a hatch on the the rear of the gun emplacement, and a Band Lift would raise raise cartridges to a hatch at the side of the emplacement. There were also two Quick Return lifts between the guns, one on each side of the magazine stairs.

A 1949 aerial photo of the 6 inch QF emplacement
The now hidden staircase to the magazine is visible.

Batteries & Defences