Strawberry Battery

Strawberry Battery

Strawberry Battery is the only Canadian built fort and the last gun battery constructed on McNabs Island, built between 1939 and 1940.

Strawberry Battery mounted two 12-pounder quick-firing guns which were moved from Fort Hugonin, and became operational in May 1940, as well as four searchlights which began operating earlier, in Mar. 1940. Its purpose was to guard against torpedo-boat attacks and to protect the anti-submarine net which stretched from the end of Maugher Beach below the lighthouse to the western shore of the harbour below York Redoubt.

Searchlights played a major role in the defence of Halifax from about 1890 to WW II. The lights served a vital role to illuminate various parts of the harbour to allow the coastal gun batteries to sight hostile vessels approaching Halifax. Typical of coastal defence, the plan and position of the searchlights in Halifax changed over time as the defence of Halifax evolved. Between 1890 and WW II there were about 13 searchlights located on McNabs Island, operating at different times.

Strawberry Battery was disarmed in 1947 following WW II, but guns were reinstalled with the beginning of the Korean War. Training at Strawberry Battery continued with the 12-pounder up to July 1956. Strawberry Battery was decommissioned and the guns were finally removed by early 1957.

Today Strawberry Battery is difficult to access, there are no maintained trails to the area, and the site poses numerous public safety risks.