The New Battery was completed in 1895. Three 9.2" breech-loading guns were installed at the New Battery. A crew of 11 was required to fire one of these guns. Each shell weighed 380 lbs.The New Battery guns remained in place until 1954, when they were scrapped. The Old and New Batteries were manned during the World Wars. German U boats sunk 2 ships off The Needles during World War I. During World War I early trials of anti-aircraft guns were conducted at this facility. In World War II, anti-aircraft guns were used to defend the Isle of Wight against air attacks. Repeated German air attacks led to improvements in the fortifications at the site. German torpedo boats attempting night landings were fired on by the guns at the Batteries. The neighboring cliffs were used to train troops for the D-Day landing. After the war, the batteries were deactivated.