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Gibraltar In World War II
The military history of Gibraltar during World War II exemplifies Gibraltar's position as a British Empire, British fortress since the early 18th century and as a vital factor in British military strategy, both as a foothold on the Europe, continent of Europe, and as a bastion of Royal Navy, British sea power. During World War II, Gibraltar served a vital role in both the Battle of the Atlantic, Atlantic Theatre and the Mediterranean Theatre of World War II, Mediterranean Theatre, controlling virtually all naval traffic into and out of the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to its commanding position, Gibraltar provided a strongly defended harbour from which ships could operate in both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Force H, under the command of James Fownes Somerville, Vice-Admiral James Somerville was based in Gibraltar and had the task of maintaining naval superiority and providing a strong escort for convoys to and from the Siege of Malta (1940), ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Searchlights On The Rock Of Gibraltar, 1942
A searchlight (or spotlight) is an apparatus that combines an extremely bright source (traditionally a carbon arc lamp) with a mirrored parabolic reflector to project a powerful beam of light of approximately parallel rays in a particular direction. It is usually constructed so that it can be swiveled about. Military use The first use of searchlights using carbon arc technology occurred during the Siege of Paris during the Franco-Prussian War. The Royal Navy used searchlights in 1882 to dazzle and prevent Egyptian forces from manning artillery batteries at Alexandria. Later that same year, the French and British forces landed troops under searchlights. By 1907 the value of searchlights had become widely recognized. One recent use was to assist attacks by torpedo boats by dazzling gun crews on the ships being attacked. Other uses included detecting enemy ships at greater distances, as signaling devices, and to assist landing parties. Searchlights were also used by battles ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
