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The Kirn, Switha 2, Searchlight Battery
Searchlight Battery (First World War)
Site Name The Kirn, Switha 2, Searchlight Battery
Classification Searchlight Battery (First World War)
Canmore ID 81769
Site Number ND39SE 34
NGR ND 3654 9074
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/81769
- Council Orkney Islands
- Parish Walls And Flotta
- Former Region Orkney Islands Area
- Former District Orkney
- Former County Orkney
ND39SE 34 3654 9074
(ND 3654 9074) Two concrete platforms each c 2.5 x 1m containing iron construction rods and situated c 1m apart. Approx. 25m to north-west two further concrete platforms each c 4 x 2m.
(ND 3653 9082) Concrete platform c 3.6 x 1.5m with long axis approx. NE/SW. Parallel line of paving c 3.5m to south. Width of stones c 0.5m. Stones appear to curve round eastern edge of concrete. Remains of further concrete platform c 2 x 1.5m approx. 8m to north with evidence of partial paved surround. Military.
(ND 3657 9069) Concrete slab c. 1 x 1m containing iron rod. Surrounded by partially surviving earthern bank c 1m wide and c.0.5m high enclosing area of c.4 x 4m.
J R Hunter 1984
Project (March 2013 - September 2013)
A project to characterise the quantity and quality of the Scottish resource of known surviving remains of the First World War. Carried out in partnership between Historic Scotland and RCAHMS.
Note (25 September 2013)
A searchlight station on Switha was said to provide forward observation role for Neb battery on Flotta. However its position facing E towards a similar searchlight battery on Herston Head suggests it provided protection to the Hoxa Sound entry and its batteries.
Stell (2010) has a photograph of the searchlight battery, showing five huts three of which are probably searchlight emplacements. A military camp lay to the N of the searchlights at ND 3653 9082.
Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 25 September 2013.
Note (25 September 2013)
This searchlight battery is represented in the Orkney Island's SMR by the nos. 2025, 2026 and 2304.
Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 25 September 2013.
