Seesaw searchlights were an early electric powered searchlight first developed in the 1870s used in conjunction with coast artillery.

The searchlight consisted of an electric carbon lamp, capable of a strong beam for target illumination. Because the bulb was vulnerable to enemy fire, it was protected in a recessed emplacement whilst a large mirror, attached to the end of a 'see-saw' pivoting iron beam reflected the beam across the water to the target. The light was powered by steam engines usually housed in the nearby forts.[1]

Only a few of these were built anywhere in the British Empire, and were difficult to operate and were never successful. New Zealand's example had been abandoned by 1899.[2][3]

Surviving examples

No complete examples have survived but concrete emplacements can still be found at:

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Military Heap Type Report Final Draft" (PDF). Isle of Wight County Archaeology and Historic Environment Service Apr 2010.
  2. ↑ Glackin, Russell (2009). In Defence of our land. Penguin. p. 51. ISBN 9780143011866.
  3. ↑ Cooke, Peter (2000). Defending New Zealand : ramparts on the sea 1840-1950s. p. 51. ISBN 0473068338.
  4. ↑ "HISTORICAL ASPECT OF WELLINGTON'S MILITARY STRUCTURES". http://capitaldefence.
  5. ↑ "Fortifications Of The Isle of Wight – West Wight: Warden Point Battery". 10 August 2011.
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