BATTERY MAXWELL KEYES |
No. Guns | Cal. | Type | Troop | Range Yards | |
| 2 |
3-in |
P.M.R.F. |
HQ-1st PA |
10,000 | ||
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Gun No. 1 - Watervliet No. 101; carriage Watertown No. 100 (no dates when built). Gun No. 2 - Watervliet No. 102; carriage Watertown No. 101 (no dates when built). |
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Constructed between 1912 and 1913 at a cost of $4,140 and named in honor of 2nd Lt. Maxwell Keyes, 3rd U.S. Infantry, who was killed in action 4 November 1899 near San Ildefonso, Bulacan. The battery mounted two rapid-fire 3-inch (76.2mm) M1903 guns on M1903 Barbette (Pedestal) Carriages. Maximum range was about 5.5 miles (10.45 km). Ammunition was of the fixed type, either 15 lb. (6.8 kg) armor piercing or 12 lb (5.45 kg) high explosive shell. Firing elevation was from minus 10 degrees to plus 16 degrees. Maximum rate of fire was 30 rounds oer minute and field of fire was over 180 degrees. Standard crew per gun was 6 men. The battery faces south across Caballo & Manila Bays, but shells fired towards the opposite shore would fall short - consequently the battery was never in action. Manning unit was Battery B, 1st Coast Artillery, Philippine Army. The battery suffered no apparent damage in 1942, but its main guns may have been moved by the Japanese to tunnel positions around Malinta Hill as neither were found upon re-occupation. |
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