Wanstone was the largest of Dover's WW2 coastal batteries. Two 15" guns were installed on the site, named 'Jane' and 'Clem'. The existing farm buildings were utilised, and a deep shelter, plotting room, guard room and many other buildings constructed. Ammunition for the guns was stored in four large bunkers, which were built above ground and then covered with earth. A 3.7" Anti Aircraft gun site is located North West of the main battery. The buildings of the battery survive in good condition, as the site is on private farm land but the whole area is very much overgrown.
This is on private farm land, any thanks to the owners who allowed access to the site.
Plan of Wanstone Battery
The battery guard room
Entrance to the guard room
Fireplace inside
Remaining bed
Blast wall over entrance to shelter
Looking into the chalk tunnel
Looking back to entrance
Concrete pillars which held camouflage netting over 'Jane'
One of the magazines for 'Jane'
Doors remaining at entrance to magazine
Passage inside
Entrance to the shell store
Looking inside the shell store
Looking back out
One of the AA Battery's gun positions
AA Battery magazine
Fire command post for the AA Battery
Collapsed Nissen Hut
Position of 'Clem'
Ventilation ducting from the shelter in the magazine for 'Clem'
Buried electrical Sub Station near the magazine for 'Clem'
Fuse boxes inside
3 comments:
MY WIFE AND I USED TO VISIT THE SITE NOT LONG AFTER THE MILITARY LEFT IT AND INSDE THE 9-2" MAGAZINES WERE THE WOODEN SHAPED HALF ROUND RACKS FOR THE SHELLS TO REST ON.MOST WERE TAKEN BY THE "LOCALS" FOR FIREWOOD etc.IT WAS SEVERAL MONTHS BEFORE THEY FILLED THE GUN PITS IN AND THERE WAS A LOAD OF STUFF LYING ABOUT.
brianbrookespayne@gmail.com
My father was stationed here in 48
The National Trust have launched a campaign to buy 70 hectares including the battery and restore public access https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/appeal/urgent-white-cliffs-appeal
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