The decades of derussy: 1930-1940

During the 1930s, Fort DeRussy fell into a routine of garrison duty with regular training, schooling, and athletics competitions.

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Training on the 14-inch guns at Battery Randolph continued as seen above, but there was also an increase in mobile artillery training at this time. As part of the coast artillery, 155 mm Howitzers further served as shore defenses against landing operations. With a maximum range of 17,000 yards–nearly 10 miles, these units could target transports and smaller enemy boats.

Below is an image of 155 mm Howitzer gun emplacements likely manned by members of the 55th Coastal Artillery positioned in front and slightly west of Batteries Randolph and Dudley. The outline of the Officers Club roof is visible to the left of the last trees. As you can see, the tires had additional block-style chains around the tires to assist in traction on sandy beaches.

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The aerial image below shows the position of these gun emplacements.

As you can see, by 1938, much of the Fort’s land area was already built. The large, open space consisted of a drill field and recreational sports fields. USAMH 2789

By the 1930s Fort DeRussy’s housing area had wide dirt streets and cement paths.

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Coastal Artillery units served around Oahu; entire units often transferred to gain familiarity with different fortifications on the island. In 1927, Battery “D” 16th Coast Artillery transferred to Fort DeRussy from Fort Ruger, located near Daimond Head. Below is a menu from the Battery “D” 1933 Holiday Party.

Programs like this often featured lavish dinner menus, unit rosters, and artwork. Below is a pictorial map of the Island of Oahu issued by the Hawaii Tourist Bureau. (EP1954)

As a way to promote morale and esprit de corps, post commanders encouraged organized athletic competitions between the various coast artillery batteries. On Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, units competed in sports like boxing, baseball, and swimming. Swimming events often utilized Waikiki’s natatorium and Fort DeRussy’s diving platform.

Below is the Honolulu Harbor Defense Swim Team posing after a meet on Fort DeRussy.

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During downtime, pickup games of volleyball with a makeshift net sometimes took place in front of soldiers’ barracks.

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