3rd Europa Advance Battery

Together with the 1^st Europa Advance Battery, the 2^nd and 3^rd Batteries protected the cliff edge overlooking Gibraltar’s south-eastern coastline. The term ‘Advance Batteries’ refers to the fact that they were located on the frontline and were part of the first line of defence on this side of the Rock.

These three batteries were built in the eighteenth century. Although their construction date is uncertain, they are already mentioned in records from 1720. The 2^nd Battery is directly to the south of the 1^st Battery while the 3^rd Battery is located about 115 metres further north on the cliff edge. The 4^th Battery, which was built in the first half of the nineteenth century is located sited near Monkey’s Cave, now the entrance to REME Chambers. It is not accessible as it is situated on military land, hence the reason it is not listed.

In 1771, the 2^nd Battery mounted a single 3-pounder, although the battery boasted of two embrasures. By 1781, this had been upgraded to one 18-pounder, two 12-pounders and one 3-pounder which indicates the battery had been expanded during the 14^th Siege.