Historian documents WWII coastal defenses of Delaware Bay

Author Terrance McGovern recently announced the publication of “Coastal Defenses of the Delaware Bay During World War Two.”

The defense of America’s seacoast has been a key concern since the earliest years of the republic. American coast defense steadily evolved through the age of muzzle-loading cannon, ever-larger breech-loading weapons, and finally to the culmination in large, long-range guns capable of targeting the largest and most heavily armed warships of their age.

Given the importance of the military-industrial complex along the banks of the Delaware River, including the large Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, the seacoast defenses protecting Delaware Bay had declined dramatically since the turn of the century. A whole program of modern coast artillery batteries and other defenses began construction starting in the late 1930s, reaching their apex during the middle of World War II.

This book tells the story of preparing the Delaware Bay coastal defenses for the coming of WWII and operations from 1941-45. U.S. Army photographs and plans help document the nation’s extensive efforts to defend against naval attacks and raids from Nazi Germany. A collection of color aerial photographs is also included, allowing the reader to survey the surviving elements of these generally unknown defenses. A product of extensive research, this book brings together rare images with the military history of the Delaware Bay.

Three Sisters Press offers the 100-page softbound book for $30 plus $5 for domestic shipping. To learn more or place an order, go to mcgovernpublishing.com.

Although McGovern has recently purchased a home in Milton, he has long been involved with fortifications in Delaware. He has worked on the preservation and interpretation of Fort Miles’ historic structures at Cape Henlopen State Park since 1989 with Lee Jennings and Gary Wray. He arranged for several coast artillery weapons (16-inch gun from the USS Missouri, 12-inch gun from USS Wyoming, 8-inch naval railway gun) to be displayed at the Fort Miles Museum. McGovern chaired the U.S.-based Coast Defense Study Group and continues as a longtime officer. To contact McGovern, email tcmcgovern@att.net.