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Hoxa Head had two WW2 emergence batteries, Hoxa and Balfour. Hoxa was deployed to cover the inner boom defences between Hoxa Head and Flotta. Balfour had a wider range over the Pentland Firth. Also remains of WW1 coastal battery at this site and of ancilliary buildings.
(Source: Field Visit 1996/10/20)
Document records give the armament of Hoxa as: 2 x 6in guns and 2 x coast artillery search lights.
On 7 April 1941 was manned by 208 Bty of 533 Reg Coast Artillery.
By 10 November 1943 the battery was under care and maintenance.
See references.
(Source: Report 1997/07)
This WWII battery overlies a WWI 6-inch emplacement. During the Second World War this battery continued using this calibre of gun and was reduced to care and maintenance in 1943. The magazines, observation post, engine room and searchlight platforms can still be seen. The steel supporting the overhead cover is badly rusted and is likely to collapse soon.
WO/192/263 PRO.
(Source: NMR 1993)
Official Name | Hoxa Battery |
---|---|
Type of site | EMERGENCY COAST DEFENCE BATTERY |
Location | Hoxa Battery, Hoxa Head. |
Area |
South Ronaldsay, Orkney Islands, Scotland |
Grid reference |
ND 4046 9774
(Scale: 1:25000
, 1986)
|
Period | WW2 |
Condition | Fair |
Materials | Concrete |
Threats |
Type: Deterioration (Immediate) Detail: Rusting of metal features. |
Recorder | Emon, G. L. |
Defence grouping |
Scapa Flow fixed defences - Coast Artillery batteries |
Adjacent sites | Balfour Battery |
DOB site reference: | S0000115 |
Associated Identifier | Scottish NMR (ref: ND49SW27) |
Reference |
1998/07 Site Gazetteer Vol IV, Scotland (i) North Head (Wick) Bty, Caithness Hoxa Head Battery 1914-1950 1940 WO 199/2627 Coast Defence Guns in Scottish Command 1941/04/07 HQSC HF/623/4/RA(CD) Re-designation of CBty RA 1943/10/10 HF 719/3/g/(O) Appendix A This Great Harbour, Scapa Flow |
Event |
Construction, In the period 1940 1941 Field Visit, Before 1996/10/28 Care and Maintenance, During 1943 |