Operation Humpty Dumpty II: Giving Gibraltar’s 9.2-Inch Gun a New Home

After a hiatus of almost four years, efforts to relocate the historic 9.2-inch gun components currently stored at Brewery Crusher were revived under Operation Humpty Dumpty II. The project gained momentum following discussions with the Royal Gibraltar Regiment in June 2026, as the need to secure a permanent home for these important military heritage artefacts became increasingly urgent.

Identifying a Suitable Location

Three potential sites within Devil’s Tower Camp were identified for consideration. A detailed site inspection was carried out in July 2026, during which the advantages and disadvantages of each location were carefully assessed.

Site 1 offered a large, open space with an existing concrete base and the security of a military-controlled environment. However, concerns were raised that the area could be required for future operational use, public access would be limited, and the location would leave the artefacts exposed to strong easterly winds, salt spray, and sand from Eastern Beach.

Site 2 provided a secure and publicly accessible location, sheltered by Beach View Terrace from prevailing winds. Nevertheless, installation of the gun components could potentially restrict access along the entrance road to Devil’s Tower Camp, while infrastructure works, including the relocation of a lamp post and construction of a concrete foundation, would likely be necessary.

Site 3 ultimately emerged as the preferred option. Like Site 2, it would remain accessible to the public while benefiting from protection against the prevailing winds. Its position closer to the main road would offer greater visibility, easier public access, and a larger available area for display. Although groundwork would still be required to prepare a suitable concrete foundation, the overall advantages made it the strongest candidate for the permanent installation of the gun.

Following careful consideration of all factors, Site 3 was selected as the ideal location for the future display of the 9.2-inch gun.

Site 1 DTC.

Site 2 DTC.

Site 3 DTC.

An Urgent Need to Act

The importance of the relocation project was heightened by the imminent need to clear the Brewery Crusher site to facilitate construction works associated with Gibraltar’s new sewage treatment plant. This added urgency to the operation and reinforced the necessity of finding a secure temporary and long-term home for the gun components.

To progress the project, a meeting of all relevant stakeholders was convened on 8 September 2026. During the discussions, the Royal Gibraltar Regiment granted permission for the gun components to be temporarily relocated to Site 1 within Devil’s Tower Camp. This arrangement would allow conservation work to be undertaken, including cleaning, treatment, and repainting of the artefacts, before their eventual installation at Site 3.

Stakeholders site meeting.

Stakeholders site meeting.

Moving a Piece of Gibraltar’s Military Heritage

The most significant phase of the operation took place on the evening of 14 September 2026. With support from Monteverde Ltd, the gun components, including the impressive 32-ton barrel, were carefully lifted and transported from Brewery Crusher to Devil’s Tower Camp.

Extensive preparations were carried out throughout the day to ensure the move could be completed safely and efficiently. Due to the size and weight of the artefacts, the transportation itself was scheduled for after 9:00 pm, reducing disruption and ensuring safe movement of the convoy.

The successful transfer marked a major milestone in the preservation of one of Gibraltar’s important coastal defence relics. Once conservation work has been completed, the gun components will be assembled and permanently displayed at Site 3, where they will be accessible to the public and preserved for future generations as a tangible reminder of Gibraltar’s military heritage and strategic importance.