Navy Yard in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Navy Gun Car
Mounting 14" - 50 Caliber Naval Gun
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 21, 2008
1. Navy Gun Car Tablet
United States Naval Railway Batteries
Designed, constructed and shipped abroad
by the
Bureau of Ordnance, Navy Department
Placed in operation in France
and
Manned by naval personnel
Under the command of
Rear Admiral C.P. Plunkett, U.S.N.
——————
Designs were started
December 26, 1917
Finished January 25, 1918
Construction commenced February 13, 1918
Completed April 26, 1818
Tested April 30, 1918
Shipped abroad June 1918
Re-erected in France July-August 1818
Started for the battle front from St. Nazaire, Fr.
on August 17, 1918
234 days from the date of first designs
This gun fired 236 - 1400 pound
Navy shells against the Germans
——————
The U.S. Naval railway batteries traveled
the length of France, firing: -
From: Soissons -- Upon: Laon
From: Rethondes -- Upon: Tergnier
From: Fontenoy-Ambleny -- Upon: Besny-Loisy
From: Flavy-Le-Martel -- Upon: Mortiers
From: Charney -- Upon: Remoiville, Montmedy, Louppy
From: Thierville -- Upon: Longuyon, Mangiennes
Maximum Range Used - 42,500 yards, 24.2 miles
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World I. A significant historical date for this entry is January 25, 1821.
Location. 38°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Willard Park (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Willard Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome Aboard the Display Ship BARRY (DD-993) (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Navy Yard Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker); National Museum of the U.S. Navy (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Frank W. Crilley Building (about 400 feet away); Lafayette's Tour (about 400 feet away); Swift Boats, Home and Friend to Their Six Man Crew (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southeast Washington.
Also see . . .
1. Battleship Guns. The guns were actually 14 inch 45 caliber pieces, originally designed for use on battleships. (Submitted on August 12, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. 14"/50 caliber railway gun. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on October 1, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 21, 2008
2. Rear of the Navy Gun Car
The tablet is to the left of the car.
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 21, 2008
3. Front of Gun Car
Showing the significant overhang of the gun.
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 21, 2008
4. Service Mechanism of the Gun Car
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 21, 2008
5. Servicing Section of the Gun Car
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 21, 2008
6. 14-Inch Navy Gun Car
From the Navy Museum exhibit. The model shows the color scheme of the gun car as used in action.
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, March 4, 2012
7. Uniform of a U.S. Naval Railway Petty Officer - displayed in the nearby Museum of the U.S. Navy
"The uniform of the Naval Railway Gun crews so confused Allied troops in France that they often mistook enlisted sailors for officers. Crews originally received Marine Corps forest green uniforms to which they added naval rating badges - in this case second class machinist mate's. Later, while the Marines in France received U.S. Army uniforms, the railway gun crews replaced only their worn out clothing. Thus, this sailor acquired an Army overseas cap. The blackened chief petty officer's cap insignia symbolized that the wearer was an enlisted sailor, while the gold chevron indicates six months' service in the war zone. The medal is the Allied Victory Medal of World I."
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,625 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 12, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 7. submitted on March 10, 2012, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.
