Battery Const. #403
Fort J. H. Smith, HD Kodiak
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The Coast Artillery took control of Battery Const. #403 on December 23, 1943, after about one year of construction. The battery was armed with two 8-inch Naval guns positioned to either side of the central battery structure. Ammunition magazines and support facilities were housed within the battery structure.

The design of the battery differs from others of this type in that it includes a lower level approximating the layout of the main floor. In addition to the two main entrances, a pair of ladder shafts provided access to the lower level. Army documents indicate that the lower level was used for storage and troop housing.

Upper level
Lower level
Plotting room
BC station



#1 Gun Position


Looking north at the battery.
August 2005
The #1 gun position, looking west.
August 2005
Detail of the #1 gun carriage remains.
August 2005
Looking east along the #1 runway.
August 2005
Detail of the traversing mechanism of the #1 gun.
August 2005
Gun tube segment near the #1 gun position.
August 2005
The #1 entrances, main level above and the lower level below. A ladder shaft is visible to the left of the upper entrance.
August 2005
Looking northwest at the #1 entrance.
August 2005
The top of the #1 ladder shaft.
August 2005
Looking down the #1 ladder shaft.
August 2005



#2 Gun Position


Looking south at the #2 gun position.
August 2005
The #2 gun position as seen from the BC station.
August 2005
Remains of the #2 carriage.
August 2005
The runway leading to the #2 gun position.
August 2005
Detail of breech portion, near the #2 gun position.
August 2005
A gun tube recovered from the battery is displayed at the Buskin River Inn.
August 2005
Looking east at the #2 entrances.
August 2005
The #2 entrances, main level at left, power room center, ladder shaft upper right and lower level bottom
August 2005
The #2 ladder shaft.
August 2005
Looking down the ladder shaft.
August 2005







Documents
Form 1May 1, 1944
Form 7, page 1May 1, 1944
Form 7, page 2May 1944
Form 7, page 3May 1944
Form 7, page 4May 1944
Form 7, page 5May 1944
Form 5 
Detail map of area.September 1944
Fire Control Chart.September 1944
Detailed plan of similar battery
Note: modified from the original
June 12, 1945
Note: The form 7s include many inaccuracies.



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