Chronology 5 



On October 16, 1918, the Dahlgren "Lower Station" of the Indian Head 

 facility* began its role as a Proving Ground with the successful firing of the 

 7-inch, 45-caliber tractor-mounted gun.'" Army representatives present dur- 

 ing the firing were favorably impressed, and an order was placed with the 

 Bureau of Ordnance for 36 mounts — the exact number of 7-inch guns the 

 Navy had available to turn over to the Army. 



By the latter part of 1918, the new Proving Ground consisted of an adminis- 

 tration building, inspector's quarters, Main Battery and Plate Battery 

 bombproofs, eight officers' bungalows, 49 civilian bungalows, two civilian dor- 

 mitories, sanitary sewers, and electric power lines along with storage and 

 maintenance buildings. The Main Battery consisted of 12 emplacements which 

 were laid along with two at the Plate Battery. Extensive dredging was also 

 underway to provide a dock for barges and tugs, and material that was dredged 



Rear Admiral Ralph Earle was Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance from 

 December 1916 until May 1920. The Naval Proving Ground at 

 Dahlgren was established primarily through his efforts. 



*Dahlgren remained under the jurisdiction of Indian Head until July 1, 1932. 



