Battery Layout - Gallery

The ATS Building stands on the Southern part of the Battery complex, at the bottom of Fishcombe Road. It is located away from most of the other features of the site.

The ATS Building is a single storey structure with an interior dimension of approximately 11 metres by 7.5 metres and was used as a training centre for all operations of the Battery needed in action. Inside, against one of the walls was erected a large table approximately 4 metres by 2 metres. Its base represented the water area of Torbay and the wall beyond was painted with scenery made to look like the view looking seaward from the Battery.

This table was marked out in intervals to represent distances in yards from the Battery and small model ships could be moved along as targets at any given distance. There were also two miniature searchlights on the table edge which could be used to simulate night shoots. The base of the table consisted of pegboard through which thin dowels could be slid up to represent fall of shoot.

All personnel periodically were trained using this, from the Battery Commander to the Gun and Searchlight Crews, and it was a very efficient way to practice all operations of the Battery as when in action. The room would usually be darkened and whoever was commanding the shoot would give an estimated range and deflection of the model target. A detailed person would push a dowel through the appropriate hole in the table to represent the fall of shoot at that range. Any correction could then be made.

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