Wondering how these seemingly unassuming platforms played a vital role in Gibraltar’s defense? We are standing before the 1st and 2nd Europa Advance Batteries. These batteries were not just mere structures. They were a critical part of Gibraltar’s frontline defenses.
The Europa Advance Batteries faced the southeastern coastline. They formed the first line of defense on this side of the Rock. Other batteries further to the rear supported these forward batteries. Records show these advance batteries dating back to 1720.
Let’s start with the 1st Europa Advance Battery. It stands on a flat triangular platform on the cliff edge below Hole in the Wall. In 1771, it held three 18-pounders. By 1834, this was reduced to two. However, in 1859, they upgraded to two 32-pounders. These guns could better engage vessels approaching along the Eastern Mediterranean. By 1885, two 64-pounder RML guns were in place. These guns were removed in 1889. In 1942, a 4-inch BL Mark IX gun on a CP Mark I mounting was installed.
Now, consider the 2nd Europa Advance Battery. It is directly south of the 1st Battery. In 1771, the 2nd Battery had a single 3-pounder. Though it had two embrasures. By 1781, it was upgraded to one 18-pounder, two 12-pounders and one 3-pounder. This shows expansion during the 14th Siege. By 1834, the number of guns reduced to two 18-pounders again. In 1859, they were replaced with two 32-pounders. By 1885, the 2nd Battery stood empty.
These batteries saw numerous changes in armament over the years. They adapted to the evolving threats. All Europa Advance Batteries had 18-pounders in 1834. By 1859, these were replaced with 32-pounders. The 3rd Battery originally mounted a single 4-pounder. Two 12-pounders were added in 1781 during the Great Siege.
During World War II, in 1940, a 6-pounder Hotchkiss gun was deployed at the 2nd Europa Advance Battery. Two months later, two 4-inch BL Mark IX guns replaced it. One was installed in the 1st Battery. The other was across Europa Advance Road. These guns had a seaward role. They formed part of Fire Command Rooke. This was the close defense Fire Command. Depression Range Finders were used for range finding. Eventually, there were two DEL’s. One at Sandy Cave and one at Halfway Battery. A 40-mm Bofors Mark IV gun was mounted north of the 3rd Europa Advance Battery in 1942. Two Z projectors were installed in 1942 too. They were named Freddie and Charlie.
The lower 4-inch gun was removed in August 1944. The two Z Projectors were taken out of action. The rest of the equipment was removed at the end of the war.
Today, the 1st and 2nd Advance Batteries are part of the Interpretation Centre for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gorham’s Cave. The 3rd Battery now houses the Clay Target Shooting Association. From their initial construction in the early 18th century to their role in World War II, the Europa Advance Batteries stood as silent guardians. They helped protect Gibraltar’s strategic interests.