The Snapshots in Time Collection

U.S. Army Coast Artillery Mortar Battery Firing Practice, Manila Bay Harbor Defenses

U.S. Army Coast Artillery Mortar Battery Firing Practice, Manila Bay Harbor Defenses

U.S. Army Coast Artillery soldiers conduct a live-fire drill with massive seacoast mortars at one of the harbor defense forts guarding Manila Bay, likely Corregidor or a nearby fortified island. These heavy mortar batteries, built in the early 20th century, formed the backbone of American coastal defense in the Philippines until they were overtaken by the rapid advance of aircraft and naval technology in World War II. Project: 218617