38.1 cm /45 Model 1926 naval gun
The 38.1 cm/45 Model 1926 naval gun, also known as the Vickers-Armstrong 38.1 centimetres Mark B, was originally intended to form the armament of the Brazilian battleship Riachuelo. Eighteen of the guns were subsequently purchased by Spain for use as coastal artillery.
The guns could fire an armour-piercing shell weighing at a velocity of or a high-explosive shell weighing to a range of. They were mounted in individual armoured gun houses.
In the 1990s, seven mounts remained operational, and were provided with modern Swedish fire control equipment.
Locations
Cartagena: 4 Guns. Batteries Castillitos and Cenizas, each with 2 guns.Ferrol and A Coruña: Originally 8 guns. Batteries at Cape Prior, Monte San Pedro, Campelo Alta and Lobateiras, each with 2 Guns.
Menorca: Originally 6 guns. Batteries at Favarix, Mahon and Llucalary, each with 2 guns.
Subsequently, the guns at Campelo Alta were moved to a new location at Paloma Alta, work being completed in October 1941. One of these guns was destroyed when it suffered a premature detonation during Proof Firing. Later the two guns from the Favarix Battery were transferred, becoming operational in January 1944. These three guns remained in service until 2008, when the last one finally retired into reserve.
Surviving examples
West of Cartagena two guns of the Castillitos Battery :East of Cartagena two guns of the de Las Cenizas Battery :
At Monte De San Pedro, W of A Coruña, two guns :
East of Cala Llucalari, Menorca, two guns :
At Bateria de Costa, Paloma Alta, W of Algeciras, three guns:
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