Description

The monument is the remains of four coastal artillery batteries with associated accommodation camps and ancillary structures, along with the remains of a barrage balloon site and two light anti-aircraft batteries. The first battery was established in 1915 and the site was used during the First and Second World War. It is visible as a series of concrete structures, hut bases and earthworks. It forms part of a network of coastal batteries built to defend the key strategic British naval anchorage of Scapa Flow. This battery was one of several covering the southern route into the Flow in both wars and is located on the south coast of Flotta between about 5m and 35m above sea level, overlooking the shipping channel through Switha Sound.

The four main batteries comprise: two First World War 4.7 inch QF gun emplacements and associated magazine; two temporary earthwork Second World War 12-pounder gun emplacements with associated earthwork remains; two permanent Second World War 12-pounder emplacements constructed in concrete, with associated magazines and crew shelters; and a Second World War 'Twin 6' battery with associated magazine, storage, crew shelter and battery observation post. In addition to the batteries themselves, there are also three concrete searchlight emplacements, two engine houses, a number of concrete hut bases and building remains, a water reservoir, a barrage balloon mooring site and two light anti-aircraft batteries.

The scheduled area is irregular on plan to include the remains described above and an area around them within which evidence relating to the monument's construction and use is expected to survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map. The scheduling specifically excludes the upper 300mm of the roadway which passes through the site.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

This monument is of national importance because it has an inherent potential to make a significant addition to our understanding of the past, specifically, the network of defences constructed in the First and Second World War to defend the key strategic harbour of Scapa Flow. This is a well-preserved example of a multi-phase coast battery, showing a wide range of remains of this site type from both World Wars. Its significance is enhanced by the presence of rare features, such as the wooden fittings and internal decoration. The monument offers considerable potential to study the relationship between the various elements of the site, and to enhance our understanding both of the western Scapa Flow defences and the wider defences in place around Orkney and beyond. These monumental concrete structures are a tangible and powerful reminder of one of the defining events of the 20th century. If this monument was to be lost or damaged, it would significantly affect our ability to understand the nature and scale of the efforts made to defend Britain against enemy naval threats in the First and Second World War and diminish the association between Orcadians today and those who lived and served in Orkney during the war.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

Other informationRCAHMS records the monument as HY20NW 25.

ReferencesBrown I 2002, 20th Century Defences in Britain: an Introductory Guide, Council for British Archaeology, York.

Stell, G 2010, Orkney at War: Defending Scapa Flow - Volume 1: World War 1, The Orcadian, Kirkwall, 64-67.

Canmore

https://canmore.org.uk/site/81729/

Source: Historic Environment Scotland