Signal Hill - 2

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A view of St. John's Harbor from Signal Hill. Ships entering and leaving the harbour pass through this natural 200 m (656 ft) wide channel, called the "Narrows." The harbor, surrounded by high hills approximately 183 m (600 ft) tall, provides shelter from ocean storms and hostile enemies who marauded the Atlantic Ocean.

This hill and harbour have seen their share of war. Although peaceful once again, the hills surrounding the harbour were last used in a military defensive when a mobile battery, anti-aircraft artillery and coastal defense guns were installed by United States military during World War II.

Located halfway between New York and Europe, St. John's Harbour played a pivotal role early in WWII where convoys were formed for their trip across the Atlantic to deliver men and essential goods to the Allied Forces. Due the threat from German U-Boats, a chain and antisubmarine net was strung across The Narrows at night. The red and white object in the photo is known as Chain Rock and was the north-shore anchor used to secure the protective net. Although it is thought no German submarines entered St. John's Harbour during the war, they did fire two torpedoes into the harbour in 1942 that exploded without causing damage.

Signal Hill and Fort Amhearst as seen from the beaches of Black Head.

At the bottom of Signal Hill stands a small town that has been an active fishing village since 1673. It received its name, The Battery, since the guns for protection against pirates and warships stands high above the village on Signal Hill.

St. John's, because of its proximity to the fishing grounds at the Grand Banks, has always been a military target during war time. The first recorded battle for control of St. John's was in 1555 when the Basque took St. John's from the French. In 1665, the Dutch temporarily took it from the English. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the English and French frequently battled over the harbour; with their last battle being won by the British in 1762. It's not surprising that prior to the 19th century there were many military installations for the defense of the harbour. These include: Quidi Vidi Battery, Fort William, Fort Amherst, Queen's Battery, Signal Hill, Fort Chain Rock, Fort St. George, Fort Townsend, and Crows Nest Battery.