SouthEast Defence Photos

I at present do not know much about this aerdrome, although I made a very brief visit in 2007. There is a museum in the vicinity.

3 files, last one added on Jan 18, 2008

Well known aerdrome from the First World War onwards, sadly much has now been destroyed. I have been taking photographs here since 1978.

42 files, last one added on Jan 20, 2008

Another well known airfield since WW1, again now all destroyed apart from a few relics in the surrounding woods. There is a museum here on the site. Most of the photographs were taken in 1981 during demolition.

13 files, last one added on Jan 20, 2008

Leysdown was a pioneer airfield in 1909 but due to the poor conditions it was moved to Eastchurch in 1910 where a airfield remained until the end of WW2. Eastchurch is now a Cat A prison. Very little remains today at either site. My photographs were taken in 1985.

13 files, last one added on Jan 02, 2009

As the title states a WW2 decoy aerdrome was sited here, near Walderslade in Kent. The site is now a horse stables.

1 files, last one added on Jan 18, 2008

I again have not researched this airfield and took some quick photographs only.

3 files, last one added on Jan 18, 2008

Basically most airfields had these and they were used to co-ordinate the defence of the airfield in case of land or air attack.
The designs seem basically the same in that they all have a square observation post with 360' viewing apetures and a 'bomb' proof cap. Underneath are a series of brick built plotting and communication rooms with holes to pass information between room to room. And they have a stand alone toilet cubicle and an seperate escape hatch located next to the observation post.
They are normally located at the fringes of the airfield and seem to have differing heights of observation post (the one at Detling is very low sited for example).

11 files, last one added on Oct 30, 2011

Famous WW2 fighter aerdrome, now sadly all demolished except for a few remains. Photographs taken in 1985.

8 files, last one added on Jan 18, 2008

This airfield has had a long history with the RAF since 1917 through to 1959 with Fighter Command. The airfield was put in a 'care & maintance' in 1966. A number of the original buildings have been demolished since 1978 including the hangers, operations block & technical blocks, hospital and accomodation. But there are still many features to see today.

20 files, last one added on Dec 27, 2008

The airfield was established as early as 1915 and remained in service until July 1 1962 when it went into care & maintenance. The airfield was sold off and used as a quarry then landfill site in the 1970's. All the buildings were demolished and a housing estate built on part of the site. Today the remainder is a country park with just a few reminders of its glorious past as a Sector D airfield during the Battle of Britain.

11 files, last one added on Jan 04, 2009

The remains of a Starfish decoy airfield control bunker is sited here. I believe that this was designated a K' type decoy site for daytime use. And was probably used as a decoy for RAF Manston, no other remains on the site are evident.

5 files, last one added on Apr 22, 2009

Basically most airfields had these and they were used to co-ordinate the defence of the airfield in case of land or air attack.
The designs were either 11008/41 or 3329/41 the latter being the smallers size. They all have a observation post with 360' viewing apetures and a 'bomb' proof cap. Underneath are a series of brick built plotting and communication rooms with holes to pass information between room to room. And they have a stand alone toilet cubicle and an seperate escape hatch located next to the observation post.
They are normally located at the fringes of the airfield and seem to have differing heights of observation post (the one at Detling is very low sited for example).

12 files, last one added on Jan 22, 2010

This site controlled all the A.A. batteries in the Dover area during WW2. It was in a poor condition when I originally visted the site back in the 1980's. The site has been revisited in 2008 and the photograph album updated.

18 files, last one added on Mar 08, 2008

I have only made a brief visit to this site back in the 1970's.

1 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2008

I have included a couple of B&W photographs taken back in 1975 of the site. I expect it has now been demolished.

4 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2008

Very large site which probably has the largest number of 5.25" emplacements still in existence totalling four. The site is very private and has been used as a industrial estate and car racing track. I have yet to take any detailed photographs.

12 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2008

Despite being overgrown this site is complete and in good condition. The site was used to protect the rail guns which were sited nearby.

31 files, last one added on Jan 20, 2010

This site was used to protect the nearby C.H.L. site. The A.A. tower has now been converted into a residence.

6 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2008

Visited in 2007 this site although overgrown is complete with some interesting features.

11 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2008

Post war site constructed in 1952 having four emplacements with seperate stand by generator building and a radar control building. The guns were installed but the radar equipment was not although the cabling to each emplacement was sited. The site is was closed in the early 1960's and the emplacements converted for pig farming. Two original wooden huts remain as well.

17 files, last one added on May 15, 2009

This site was a late war site and in 1948 the guns were controlled by radar equipment and therefore had an electronic command post. The site is complete but has been damaged over the years. The photographs are taken between 1978 and 2007.

21 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2008

This site was very complete many years ago, but has been largely demolished over the years. Access has not been possible since the 1980's.

7 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2008

This was a major site which tested different types of ordnance. But most of the remains had been demolished in the late 1970's when it became a caravan park. The only 5.25" emplacement was buried in the 1980's.

8 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2008

A few photographs taken in 1978 showing the site within the fort itself. The site is now a private residence.

5 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2008

Photographs of anti tank obstacles taken across the country.

16 files, last one added on Jun 12, 2011

WW2 ARP bunker which was used by the local sailing club, unfortunately it was never open so I did not get a look inside. It was then subject to an arson attack but is still visible today.

5 files, last one added on Jan 27, 2008

As the title suggests photographs of air raid shelters.

11 files, last one added on Jul 31, 2008

A major subject in itself, here are a few interesting photographs taken over the years, focussing on the 'hidden' side of the Dockyard.

34 files, last one added on Feb 15, 2009

There was originally a factory here, and I remember once it was closed I had a visit and was certain there was a underground structure, Now a housing estate.

4 files, last one added on Jan 27, 2008

Constructed in 1953 and still potentially operational as it was refitted in the 1980's. I have not been inside as yet.

5 files, last one added on Jan 27, 2008

Lots written about this site but basically this was the main WW2 Command Centre for the Chatham Dockyard, started in 1937 and closed in the mid 1960's. The site was sealed up but was recently accessed again during construction of the new university campus.

12 files, last one added on Jan 27, 2008

These hideouts were started in 1940 and in total there were 28 in Kent alone. They were disbanded in 1944, when the hideouts were supposed to have been destroyed by the R.E. Although secret most of the locations are known and some have survived.

10 files, last one added on Jan 27, 2008

I do not know a lot about the history of this facility, I suspect it supplied light ammunition to the various batteries around the Dover area during WW2. It consists of three large reinforced identical store buildings, internaly sub divided into open bays. There is no evidence of any mechanical means of moving the ammunition within the stores. Originally there were more buildings on the site but these have been removed over time. This is stil owned and ued by the MoD as a training facility. PLEASE NOTE: this was an escorted visit, no unauthorised access allowed unles pre-arranged with th MoD.

16 files, last one added on Oct 03, 2009

There is lots of information on this quarry site. It was used as a massive ordnance storage in WW2. It was opened to the public in the 1980's as a tourist attraction. I visited it then. It subsequently went bust, and the quarry was stripped out and is now derelict.

16 files, last one added on Jan 27, 2008

Again another site I have not actually been inside beacuse the system is virtually flooded throughout. It was constructed in 1940/41 but little is known about its actual use. The site was called Broadwater Down. As of 2011 all the three entrances have been completely sealed.

3 files, last one added on Jan 27, 2008

Visits made to some of the many posts in the Southeast.
Also see additional reports in main category.

9 files, last one added on Jan 27, 2008

A book has been written on these tunnels. But in very brief summary these are an extensive system of chalk tunnels concrete lined dug and extended in WW2 under Ramsgate. They incorperated the large mainline rail tunnel as well. The sytem is now sealed up.

20 files, last one added on Jan 27, 2008

The fort was constructed between 1862-67, the guns were removed in the 1890's and it then remained a barracks. It was in commercial ownership in recent years.

8 files, last one added on Jan 16, 2008

Royal Commission Fort completed in 1900, saw service in WW2 as a anti aircraft position. Sold in 1963 to a development company the fort was purchased by a car tyre company called Fort Tyres in 1976 the fort became very neglected and was purchased in 1997 and opened ten years later as a the Fort Horsted Business Centre after a thorough renovation in conjunction with E.H.

88 files, last one added on Feb 22, 2009

Constructed in 1869 the fort is of a small design and saw service up until the 1920's. Today the fort is in private ownership but still complete

1 files, last one added on Jan 16, 2008

The fort was constructed in the 1880's. These photographs were taken in 1980.

5 files, last one added on Jan 16, 2008

Construction started in 1859.

2 files, last one added on Jan 16, 2008

Constructed in the 1800's, now derelict.

2 files, last one added on Jan 16, 2008

Constructed in 1870, now lies derelict with the magazines flooded. These photographs were taken between 1978-85.

10 files, last one added on Jan 16, 2008

This fort was constructed in 1867 and abandoned post WW2. The fort is now restored and open to the public. The photographs in this album are exterior shots only.

9 files, last one added on Jan 17, 2008

Some general photographs, more to be uploaded later.

8 files, last one added on Jan 17, 2008

This redoubt was constructed in 1790 and is currently secured and under preservation. Exterior photographs taken between 1978 onwards.

40 files, last one added on Jun 04, 2008

Constructed in 1809 the redoubt is within the MOD firing range facility, and is in a good state of preservation. Photographs taken during a 2007 visit.

33 files, last one added on Jan 17, 2008

Constructed in 1895 and abandoned in 1906 currently in private ownership. These photographs were taken in 1980.

7 files, last one added on Jan 17, 2008

Constructed in 1906 it mounted 2x 9.2" Mk X guns until 1956 when the site was sold off. It has suffered badly considering its isolated position with the gun emplacemnts filled in and the ancillary buildings demolished. The site was taken over in 1996 by the N.T. and the gun emplacements were excavated again.

1 files, last one added on Jan 25, 2008

The battery was constructed in 1895 with three emplacements to mount 9.2" BL Mk X on barbette mountings, only two being emplaced by 1913. The site is very open and is largely intact with the remains of the B.O.P. to the rear. The underground magazines between the guns still exist but were backfilled but can be accessed with care.

29 files, last one added on Jan 16, 2012

Constructed in 1870 the battery mounted 9" RML guns, then in 1890 the battery was rearmed with 6" and 9.2" BL guns. The battery was abandoned after WW2.

1 files, last one added on Jan 25, 2008

This battery was constructed in 1941 and mounted 6" BL guns which were radar controlled. The site was abandoned in 1946. The site is now on open land.

11 files, last one added on Jan 25, 2008

Constructed in 1890 this battery mounted 9.2" guns on barbette mountings. The site was abandoned in the 1950's.

1 files, last one added on Jan 25, 2008

Constructed in 1873 the battery mounted 4x11" guns. Then in 1890 a Armstrong Protected Barbette mounting was installed in one emplacement. This is a rare gun mounting. In 1900 the site was rebuilt and mounted 2x9.2" BL guns and 2x6" BL guns. The site was abandoned in the 1950's. The site was originally well preserved as a park. But I believe that the battery is now in poor condition.

9 files, last one added on Jan 25, 2008

Constructed in 1870, the battery mounted 3x6" B.L. guns in 1942. The site in now open to the public.

3 files, last one added on Jan 25, 2008

Sited near Osmington Mills, this battery was constructed in the 1900's and mounted 9.2" BL on barbette mountings. The battery closed in the 1950's.

4 files, last one added on Jan 25, 2008

The battery was constructed in 1942 and mounted 2x15" guns, in open emplacements as the guns had their own shields like a naval ship turret. The site is very extensive and includes 4 large magazines, with crew quarters, workshops and a guard house. The guns were nicknamed Jane and Clem. The site is in private ownership and kind permission was granted by the owners to explore the site.

32 files, last one added on Jan 20, 2010

Constructed in 1892 mounted 6x 9" high angle guns, disbanded in 1907. The site is complete but vunerable to vandal damage.

2 files, last one added on Jan 25, 2008

There is not a lot documented on this battery. It consists of two emplacements which I think mounted 4" BL or possibly 4.7" QF guns. The battery was constructed in 1940. There is no evidence of any magazines or B.O.P. One of the emplacements was converted into a annexe of a bungalow in the 1970's.

15 files, last one added on Jan 25, 2008

I have completed very limited reserach on this battery at present. But it was in place in 1941.

4 files, last one added on Jan 25, 2008

A few selected pillbox types from WW2 era, mainly around the River area.

13 files, last one added on Jan 23, 2008

27 files, last one added on Jul 11, 2009

3 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2008

19 files, last one added on Jan 23, 2008

5 files, last one added on Jan 23, 2008

13 files, last one added on Apr 22, 2009

6 files, last one added on May 23, 2009

4 files, last one added on Jan 24, 2008

This album is part of a extensive review of the existing Pillboxes in this area, based on research carried out by other groups back in the mid 1970's.

117 files, last one added on Apr 04, 2010

A majority of these were constructed as part of the Chatham Land Front anti invasion defences and were not all completed until 1919. They formed a defence line from Hartlip across to Shellness on the Isle of Sheppey.

27 files, last one added on Mar 15, 2009

Built in 1937 on a 30 acre site RAF Dunkirk Chain Home radar site provided early warning of enemy bombers approaching the Thames estuary and South East London. Originally consisting of four steel transmitting towers and four wooden receiving towers (an extra one was added in 1944). A large domestic camp was sited to the North of the site, the site boasted a number of ground defences including infantry pillboxes and machine gun emplacements. In the 1950's the site was initially used as part of the ROTOR programme. But the site closed in 1955 with the towers scrapped in 1959 (except one). The site is now listed but in poor condition.

31 files, last one added on Apr 09, 2010

A number of listening devices located here. These photos were taken when the site was more accessible to the public. Now the entrance to the site is controlled & payment is required.

8 files, last one added on Jan 20, 2008

This site was used by the Detling Aerodrome, became derelict in the 1970's was used by the Police for training. Is now in private hands. Some of the site is still MOD owned but is up for sale. Potentially the whole site may be redeveloped.

15 files, last one added on Jul 31, 2008

This site is now protected but is easily accessible. These photographs were taken in the 1980's.

16 files, last one added on Jan 20, 2008

Very well documented site, I made a brief visit back in 1987.

7 files, last one added on Jan 20, 2008

This site has all but disappered over the crumbling cliffs during the 1980's. But was built in 1940/41 to assist the nearby Fletcher 9.2" coastal battery. And consisted of a type M146 radar. Includes a 1920 sound mirror.

10 files, last one added on Jan 20, 2008

I know very little if anything about this sites history at the moment. So would welcome some help. All that remains today are two buildings on the site.

9 files, last one added on Jun 12, 2011

As the title suggests this album includes photographs of defences around Dover area.

9 files, last one added on Jan 27, 2008

This was originally called the Darland Army Technical School for boys and was built in 1938. It was renamed Gordon Barracks in 1955 and closed in 1980. I was lucky to visit the site during demolition. The site is now a large retail park.

9 files, last one added on Jan 27, 2008

This site is close to the Coalhouse Fort. I have yet to get a history of the structure.

3 files, last one added on Jan 27, 2008

This is the site of a military camp whose origin is unknown, possibly constructed to facilitate the C.H. station which was nearby.

11 files, last one added on Jan 27, 2008

This U-Boat was scuttled in 1919, and lies on the mudflats. I visited the site in 1980.

8 files, last one added on Jan 27, 2008

As the title suggests this album cover photographs of Medway & Swale.

12 files, last one added on Jan 27, 2008

This site was built in 1942 and mounted 3x10 H.E. rocket configuration. I have little other information. The site is now part of a Nature Reserve.

8 files, last one added on Jan 27, 2008

This was built in 1919 and consisted of a artillery observation post and pillbox. The obervation post was used in conjunction with Sheerness fire control. I have no idea if the site had a WW2 role. The site still exists on private land.

8 files, last one added on Jan 30, 2008

Sited at the bottom of Borden Lane the field of fire is up the lane. Not sure when the wall was modified or constructed, there used to be an old Victorian house on the site, now demolished.

4 files, last one added on Mar 02, 2009

Sited in a wall beside the Wheatsheaf public house in East Street, the embrasures fire down the A2 towards Canterbury. The wall is only a short section which is reinforced at the rear.

1 files, last one added on Mar 08, 2009

The searchlight battery was constructed to provide support to the Langdon gun battery which was located to the East of the Dover harbour.

The searchlight battery was constructed in approximately 1910 and consists of two searchlight emplacements designated numbers 8 & 9 which were sited 20’ above the beach at the base of the cliffs and accessed by a series of diagonal slopes and stairways from the cliff top.

The construction is standard in that each emplacement had a series of metal shutters, a switchboard to control the light and each emplacement had a solid fuel stove linked to a Howarth extractor. Each emplacement was linked by a chalk tunnel hewn directly into the cliff face and brick and concrete faced in some places. The tunnel entrance was protected by double doors and a security gate.

The control of the searchlights was managed by telephone communication with the Langdon gun battery which had a electric light directing station set into the cliff face in front of the gun battery this being completed in March 1913.

The searchlights were H.C.D. 2 degree 90cm MkV and 120cm Mk1 and were powered by three Lister 22 Kva generator sets which were located at the top of the cliff.

Today the searchlight emplacements are in poor shape as regards the metal shutters which have corroded away and the brick work is heavily graffiti. The access is still by the same torturous path down from the cliff top.

Some writings on these searchlights say that they were three emplacements but the plans I have seen and the WW2 aerial photographs only show two.

18 files, last one added on Mar 05, 2011

The evidence of two WW2 bomb craters next to the road located side by side. Possibly the air attack was intended to hit the road although there are some local defence structures nearby as is the RAF Dunkirk CHL radar station.

3 files, last one added on Apr 04, 2010