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Gun Batteries at Cabo Tiņoso |
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Gun Batteries at Cabo Tiņoso |
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The locations of these batteries is shown on the map below; accesss is via Campillo de Adentro as described in our page about Mazarron's Big Guns where you can also find a more general description and more photos. This page is intended for those who would like a little more technical detail; see also our page about the Coastal Defences of Cartagena.
The approach to Castillitos and Jorel is very easy and can be undertaken by car; however the track to Atalyon is quite rough and steep and should only be attempted on foot.
Illumination was available for night time engagements by searchlights stationed at La Azohia, Jorel, Cala Muņoz and Bolete (in Portus Bay)
Planned by General Primo de Rivera, construction work started in 1929 with the guns being installed between 1932 and 1936. Comprises two artillery pieces of 38.1cm caliber manufactured by the British company Vickers which had a range of 35Km and utilised an Armour piercing shell weighing 885Kg.
Electrical power for the fire control system was provided by an 8HP diesel generator with a dynamo and accumulators. Hydraulic energy was from two diesels of 25HP and 125HP with three compressors and accumulators.
Fire from this battery crossed with it's twin at Cenizas providing an effective shield for the Naval Base of Cartagena.
Part of the same plan by Primo de Rivera as mentioned previously, Work started in 1929 and four guns of 15.24cm caliber manufactured by Vickers were mounted during 1931 to 1932 and commissioned on 4th May 1933. In 1944 a fire control system was installed comprising a Vickers Director and a Barr & Stroud rangefinder with a base of 4.57 metres.
Electrical power was provided by an 8HP diesel generator and additional power for lifts and electric lighting by a 50HP diesel couples to two dynamos. During the Spanish Civil War one gun was removed and sent to Almeria.
The highest battery at Cabo Tiņoso at 345 metres above sea level, this was an anti-aircraft site equipped with Vickers 105/45 guns.
The architecture of the buildings was very fancy with Ionian columns and features in a Classic style. The battery was dismantled in 1952 and now is in a very bad state of conservation,
The road to the battery is steep and can only be traversed on foot.
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