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Barrett Point

Geography Barrett Point is located at the foot of Mount Hayes at the entrance to Prince Rupert Harbour at 54 degrees, 14minutes 28 seconds North 130 Degrees, 20 minutes 7 seconds West.

History Prince Rupert was the nearest railhead to the Alaska and was strategically important to the defence of Alaska and West Coast of Canada. Barrett point was the key component of the defences of Prince Rupert in WWII. In 1938 Major Treatt of the Canada War Department, inspected the West Coast of Canada and determined suitable locations for Coastal defences. Barrett Point became the focal point of the defences that included gun batteries at Fredrick Pt, Casey Pt, Fairview Pt and Dundas Pt. The fort had 3 gun positions which were first equipped with Mk 12 6” anti-aircraft guns on Mk 7 mounts, later replaced by 3x 6” Mk 24 guns two on Mk5 mounts and one on a Mk5 mount. In addition a 6 pounder Hotchkiss quick firing gun was mounted, as well as 2x 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns. The guns of this fort and the others were controlled by a director station behind and above the centre gun position. Ammunition was stored in an underground magazine accessed by a electrical hoist for each gun. Behind the main battery protected by the hill was hardened generator room and other support buildings. The guns were manned by the Northern British Colombia heavy battery, Royal Canadian Artillery, later designated the 102nd Coast Battery of the 17th North British Columbia Coast Regiment. It’s unclear as to when the battery ceased operations, as war progressed and the threat of attacked diminished, the soldiers manning the defences were drawn down to serve elsewhere. It would appear the guns were removed some time between Sept 1945 and the end of 1946. The last Coastal defences along the West Coast of Canada were disbanded in 1958.

Today Much of the Battery fortifications are overgrown but can be seen on foot. Caution is advised as there are unmarked openings and entering the bunker should only be done with the proper equipment.

References In times of War, Prince Rupert 1939-1945 by Sue Harper Rose

Vancouver Defended