1st Europa Advance Battery

Ref: HLFP3/103

Together with the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th Advance Batteries, the 1^st Europa Advance Battery protected the cliff edge overlooking Gibraltar’s south-eastern coastline. The term ‘Advance Battery’ refers to the fact that it was located on the frontline and was part of the first line of defence on this side of the Rock. These forward batteries were supported up by other batteries from further to the rear. The advance batteries along this coastline date back to the early 18^th Century and are recorded from as early as 1720.

The 1^st Europa Advance Battery was located in what is now a flat triangular platform on the cliff edge below Hole in the Wall.

In 1771, the 1^st Battery comprised of three 18-pounders. In 1834, this was reduced to two.

However, in 1859 they were upgraded to two 32-pounders to better engage vessels approaching along the Eastern side of the Mediterranean Sea.

By 1885, this had become two 64-pounder RML guns. In 1889, these guns were removed. A 4-inch BL Mark IX guns on CP Mark I mountings was installed in 1942.

The 1st Europa Advance Battery is now part of the Interpretation Centre for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gorham’s Cave.

1st Europa Advance Battery as seen from the 2nd Europa Advance Battery, Gibraltar, c.1868. The two 32-pounders on the Battery can clearly be seen from here.

1st and 2nd Europa Advance Batteries as seen from the cliffs above Gorham's Cave. Governor's Cottage can be seen on the right next to Europa Advance Road.