Verne Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery

One of the four circular 1942 gun emplacements of the Verne HAA Battery.

Verne Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery is a World War II anti-aircraft battery on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. It is located on private property in the north-east area of the island, south of the Verne Citadel. The battery became a scheduled monument in March 2019.[1]

History

During World War II, Portland's naval base was a primary target for German air raids,[2] prompting a number of heavy anti-aircraft batteries to be built within the region, one of which was located close to the Verne Citadel.[3] Locally designated as "Battery B",[4] other nearby batteries included examples at Blackhead near Weymouth, Barrow Hill near Southwell, and Chickerell, Weymouth.[5][6][7]

The Verne battery's operated using QF 3.7-inch AA guns.[4] Manned by personnel of AA Command, the battery's associated Gun Operations Room was based at Red Barracks, Weymouth, and from 1941 at Nottington House, Weymouth. The battery was later fitted with GL Mark II radar from 1942.[3] After the war, the battery survived and was put into use as stables.[3]

References

  1. ^ Historic England. "Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery (P3 Verne), 275m south-west of Fancy's Farm, Portland (1459502)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  2. ^ "World War 2". Geoffkirby.co.uk. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
  3. ^ a b c Pomeroy, Colin A. (1995). Military Dorset Today: Second World War Scenes and Settings That Can Still Be Seen 50 Years on. Silver Link Publishing Ltd. p. 71. ISBN 978-1857940770.
  4. ^ a b Historic England. "Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery Portland B (1413298)". Research records (formerly PastScape). Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  5. ^ Historic England. "Monument No. 1413309". Research records (formerly PastScape). Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  6. ^ Historic England. "Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery Portland D (1413228)". Research records (formerly PastScape). Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  7. ^ Historic England. "HEAVY ANTI AIRCRAFT BATTERY PORTLAND 5 (1473260)". Research records (formerly PastScape). Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  • The battery's command bunker.
    The battery's command bunker.
  • One of two 1944 mobile square emplacements at the battery.
    One of two 1944 mobile square emplacements at the battery.
  • An example of a 3.7 inch AA Gun, seen at the Nothe Fort in Weymouth.
    An example of a 3.7 inch AA Gun, seen at the Nothe Fort in Weymouth.

50°33′24″N 2°26′04″W / 50.5566°N 2.4344°W / 50.5566; -2.4344