Malta 2010 Part 2 by Michael Forrest

Fort Delimara: Malta: 1876-1884

 

Built on the strategic point at Delimara Headland this fort commanded the entrance to Marsaxlokk harbour. The gun emplacements were cut into the rock and the gun casemates still hold some of the original armament of 12.5-inch R.M.l. guns.

 

Fort Delimara: Malta
Fort Delimara: Malta
Fort Delimara: Malta
Fort Delimara: Malta

 

Aerial View of Fort Delimara on Google Maps

Fort San Leonardo 1873-1881

 

Built between Fort Ricasoli and Zonqor Point Fort San Leonardo takes the shape of a triangle with a diamaon shaped keep at its apex. The keep is seperated from the rest of the fort by an internal ditch defended by two caponiers. The fort wasa armed with 11-inch R.M.L. guns superceded by 9.2-inch B.L. guns

 

Fort San Leonardo: Malta
Fort San Leonardo: Malta
Fort San Leonardo: Malta
Fort San Leonardo: Malta

 

Aerial view of Fort Leonardo on Google Maps

Fort St. Lucian 1874-1878

 

Built to protect Marsaxlokk harbour, Fort St. Lucian is a modifed coastal tower originally constructed in 1610. It was armed in the Victorian period with four 64pr RML guns on Moncrieff disappearing carriages and 10-inch R.M.L.s in casemates behind shields.

 

Fort St. Lucian: Malta: Coastal tower
Fort St. Lucian: Malta: Entrance
Fort St. Lucian: Malta
Fort St. Lucian: Malta: Gun casemates
Fort St. Lucian: Malta
 Fort St. Lucian: Malta: Gun casemates
Fort St. Lucian: Malta; Shield for 10-inch gun emplacement
Fort St. Lucian: Malta

 

 

Aerial View of Fort St. Lucian on Google Maps

 

 

Fort Madliena (Madalena) 1878

 

This fort was given the role of both coastal battery and land front fort. It sits behind the Victoria Lines, which it supports, and has guns that can fire out to sea to protect St. Paul's and Mellieha Bays.

 

Fort Madalena: Malta: Entrance
Fort Madalena: Malta: Entrance cutting
Fort Madalena: Malta: Gorge of fort
Fort Madalena: Malta: Gorge and ditch

 

 

Aerial view of Fort Madliena on Flashearth

Aerial View of Fort Madalena on Google Maps

 

Fort Pembroke 1875-1878

 

Built on the seward flank of the Victoria Lines this fort was intended to defend the Grand Harbour from long range bombardment. Its armament was three 11-inch R.M.L. guns and one 64pr R.M.L. gun on a Moncrieff Mounting.

 

Fort Pembroke: Malta: Entrance
Fort Pembroke: Malta: Guard Room with casemates beyond
Fort Pembroke: Malta: Guard Room with casemates beyond.
Fort Pembroke: Malta: Barrack casemates
Fort Pembroke: Malta: Barrack casemates
Fort Pembroke: Malta: 11-inch emplacement
Fort Pembroke: Malta: 11-inch RML emplacement
Fort Pembroke: Malta: Moncrieff emplacement
Fort Pembroke: Malta: Ditch with counterscarp galleries.
Fort Pembroke: Malta
Fort Pembroke: Malta: Ditch
Fort Pembroke: Malta: Ditch

Aerial view of Fort Pembroke on Google Maps

Fort Tas-Silg (Ta Silc) 1879-1883

 

This fort was built as a redoubt to command the higher ground of the Delimara Headland. It overlooks Marsaaloxx Bay and was designed to command the northern approaches to Marsacala Bay. Its armament consisted of six 64pr RML guns on Moncrieff disappearing carriages.

 

Fort Ta Silc: Malta: Entrance
Fort Ta Silc: Malta; Gorge and ditch
Fort Ta Silc: Malta: Barrack casemates
Fort Ta Silc: Malta: Barrack casemates
Fort Ta Silc: Malta
Fort Ta Silc: Malta
Fort Ta Silc: Malta: Interior of caponier for 32pr SBBL gun.
Fort Ta Silc: Malta: Remains of Emplacement for 64pr RML

 

Aerial view of Fort Ta Silc on Google Maps

 

 

 

Bing Malta forts

Malta Forts on Bing

 

All photographs are copyright © Michael Forrest

Visti