An old gun emplacement at the Balfour Battery north of Hoxa Head on South Ronaldsay, overlooking Scapa Flow, Orkney.
The photograph shows a gun emplacement for twin 6-pounder (57mm) artillery. This was the most advanced coast artillery gun of its day and, when manned by a skilled crew, could fire 72 rounds per minute. Because the gun was very smoky, fire was directed from the multi-storey command post immediately behind the gun - searchlights were controlled from the first floor while the guns were directed from the top story.
Size: 2525px × 3802px
Location: Hoxa Head, South Ronaldsay, Orkney.
Photo credit: © UrbanImages / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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