Prince George’s Battery overlooks the southern end of Little Bay. It is located a few hundred meters north-west of the lighthouse at Europa Point. It is one of the lesser-known Europa batteries given its location.

The Battery was built in 1762 during the Spanish War and named after the future George IV of England, who was born that same year. Then it was also known as the ‘1st Europa Battery’. It was heavily armed from the beginning. Colonel Green’s Report of 1770 lists the battery as being equipped with no less than six heavy guns and two howitzers.

In 1771, it mounted six 24-pounders, which were reduced to four in 1781. Three of those guns are recorded as being in barbette.

This, however, was again increased during the 19^th Century, and by 1834, it had received three more 24-pounders and one 8-inch brass howitzer, two 13-inch mortars and one 8-inch mortar, taking the total to eleven pieces of artillery.

St. George's Battery, 1782.

In 1856, it had one 8-inch howitzer, two 32-pounders of 56 cwts, five 24-pounders and three 13-inch mortars. That same year it had been recommended that the 32 and 24 pounders be replaced by five 64-pounders, but there is no record that this recommendation was effected. Instead by1863, the 24-pounders were replaced by two 32-pounders. The 1865 survey shows that one gun faced north-east over Little Bay, five faced west, one was on the left flank facing south-west and the last were faced north north-west.

The battery was rebuilt between 1870 and 1873 on the suggestion of Colonel Jerviois, who had planned the upgrade of several of Gibraltar’s fortifications in 1868. It was now mounted with a 9-inch RML gun.

In 1872, a sunken magazine was constructed. The howitzer and the mortars were removed by 1889.

Gibraltar fortifications map of 1859.

Plan of 1861 showing embrasures for 6 guns, 3 mortar positions and two magazines.

Gun emplacement for one 9-inch RML. Two embrasures and the mortar positions are still visible in this 1873 Plan.

The last major upgrade was undertaken in 1901 when the battery was extended. The 9-inch RML gun was dismounted. In its place, two 4 inch QF guns on QF Mark I mountings were authorised and mounted in January 1906. One of the 4-inch QF installed at Prince George’s Battery had been originally intended for Engineer Battery.

4-inch gun shield left in situ.

Shield and gun mounting.

During WWI, the battery was manned by 7 Company RGA who successfully hit an enemy submarine in 1915. On the 21st August 1917, 4-inch Gun number 211 was dismounted for transfer to Devil’s Gap, but for some reason it remained in the battery until the 1stMarch 1929, by which time it was only fit for the Rope Store at Ragged Staff  where it was duly written off with shield and pedestal. There is no record of the disposal of the other gun but it is presumed that it was scrapped. A 4-inch gun shield is all that remains on the right hand emplacement.

St. George's Battery protected by a barrage balloon during WWI.

During WWII, the old 9-inch gun emplacement was modified to install an Anti-Aircraft Search Light (AASL) site. The left hand-side emplacement for one of the two 4-inch guns was remodelled to accommodate a search light. A sound locator was installed about 30 yards to the north-east. It was used throughout the war.

Today, the battery is hidden within a residential development but can still be viewed, with the 4-inch iron gun shield is still in situ.

Gibraltar's air defence positions during WWII.