Defence
About Defence
MOD Gibraltar
This page gives a brief history of British Gibraltar and the establishment of Briish Military Facilities.
Aerial View of Gibraltar
Photo by: Cpl Ralph Murray ABIFP RAF RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2010
In 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession, English and Anglo/Dutch Forces captured the fortress of Gibraltar (often referred to as 'The Rock') from Spain and established a naval base there. In 1713 in The Treaty of Utrecht Gibraltar was ceded to the British. Despite being besiged by the Spanish on many occasion during the 18th century, particularly the Great Seige 1779-1783.
During the first World War Gibraltar played a crucial role in the control of the Straits as an assembly point for convoys.
In the second World War Gibraltar controlled virtually all naval traffic in and out of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean and provided a strongly defended harbour from which ships could operate.
The Battle of Trafalgar
Trafalgar Cemetary Gibraltar
Photo by: Sgt Steve Lancaster RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2010
In October 1805, after the Battle of Trafalgar, the British ships including HMS Victory limped back to Gibraltar. Nelson's body was brought ashore and placed in a brandy vat in preparation for the journey home. Many of the injured crew were brought ashore and treated in the Naval Hospital. Those that subsequently died from their injuries were buried in the Trafagar Cemetary which is situated at the end Main Street.
Gibraltar Airfield
Aerial View of the Gibraltar Runway
Photo by: Cpl Ralph Murray ABIFP RAF RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2010
The idea for an airstrip for Gibraltar dates back to the 1920's however it was not until 1936 that a grass strip was completed. Construction of a solid surface airstrip commenced in 1939 and in 1940 it was decided to extend the runway to 1550 yards. By July 1943 war on Germany was declared and RAF 202 Squadron were despatched to Gibraltar.
British Forces Gibraltar Mission
Maintain a Garrison and its infrastructure capable of supporting operations a directed by Her Majesty's government and provide defence and security to Gibraltar and its territorial seas.
Roads and Tunnels
- Gibraltar has around 30 miles of roads and around the same number of miles of man made tunnels inside the Rock.
HQ British Forces Gibraltar
British Forces Post Office 52
United Kingdom
MOD Gibraltar Telephone Exchange
Through MOD Internal 9231 9853153300
Civilian External 00350 20053300
Page rated 4 times
