This battery is one of a number of Heavy Anti-Aircraft (HAA) batteries, built at the outbreak of the Second World War. The design was very similar, with concrete shell lockers around a central gun pit, and other related semi-sunken bunkers. Most batteries of this type have been demolished, but good remaining examples can be found in Dover, Portland and at Maker Heights near Plymouth. This battery is located on farm land, near East Tilbury. It was built in 1939 and originally mounted with four 3.7-inch guns then later upgraded to four 4.5-inch guns. Although complete, the site is now very overgrown and some of the bunkers are used as horse stables.
This is on private land, thanks to the owners for allowing access.
One of the gun pits
Entrance to the magazines
Inside
Another view
Another gun pit
Semi-sunken Control bunkers
Inside
Surface buildings
Another view
Inside, still retaining original paint
The architecture of this site is very similar to that of Farthingloe Battery in Dover, Kent
ReplyDeleteThere are also emplacements for 5.25 guns in the wooded area, they show up on google maps.
ReplyDeleteI found those today. Best bit of the site.
DeleteI want to go here but not sure who to ask if i can go iside any help?
ReplyDeleteI want to go here but not sure who to ask if i can go iside any help?
ReplyDeleteKnock on the door of the small modern cottage at the top of the farm track leading off the road down to the site.
DeleteThis is a nice spot so far! Thanks | www.svgjeep.com
ReplyDeleteThe layout was quite similar, consisting of several paint stripping connected semi-sunken bunkers and concrete shell lockers encircling a central gun pit.
ReplyDelete