Battery Kirk, HECP/HDCP

The combined Harbor Entrance Control Post (HECP), and Harbor Defense Command Post (HDCP) (1942-48),
formerly Battery Kirk (1904-17).

Battery Kirk's gun position #1.
This battery was armed with two 6-inch guns on disappearing carriages.
These were the original medium-range guns for the Portsmouth defense.

Gun position #2.

The lower level observation deck of the HECP, known as the Blinker Station,
used for signaling ships during radio silence periods.
The windows of the second level observation deck are above.

Inside the second level observation deck.
This was the HECP Observation Station.
Note the painted signal flags along the wall.

The third level observation station.

Inside the third level obsevation deck.
This was the Harbor Operations Observation Station, HD-OPS 2.

The view of the harbor from the third observation level.
Note the unusual angular edges of the roofline,
and the posts for attaching the cammouflage nets.
Whaleback Lighthouse is in the far distance.

The "ship's stairway" leading down into the bowels of old Battery Kirk.
A very steep climb or descent.

Old machinery still located inside.

Another piece of old equipment.

Another view of the HECP exterior.

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