Red Sands Fort on 30th June 2006

The following information was given to me by the guy who wrote all the books on the forts.

From the pictures taken looking up to the base of the forts it is obvious that they were over built. This is testimony to the fact that they are still standing after so many years.

They had 23 kills during WW2 whilst the “Shivering Sands” had 17.

The forts have been recognised as an important part of our wartime heritage and funding has been acquired to ensure their survival.

The construction company “Molem” has installed access to the main control tower making it secure from people seeking souvenirs. It is under the lock and key of Robin Adcroft.

Additionally, several other firms and military units have agreed to help with the restoration. I have seen plans for a walkway between two of the towers and this will be going forward. Other options have been discussed and the restoration of this fort is receiving a lot of recognition.

On climbing onto the fort the first impression is that the seagulls have taken control of the structure. As you will see in the pictures the amount of bird crap is several inches deep. Also, by looking at the bones etc, it is obvious that the Thames Estuary has a wide variety of marine life.

Evidence of fish, crabs, oysters, cuttlefish, and many other skeletons indicate a vast variety of food available to the birds.

Some areas are still closed and inaccessible to the birds and they seem to be in very good condition, such as the bathroom, toilets, and the mess room. Other areas such as the gunners mechanics tool cupboard still have the tool positions on their store.

On the outside on the upper levels, the shell lockers are still visible and the surrounding protection appears to have stones as the main item.

This is correct as local stones from the area where used to fill in the area inside the outside metal sides.

“Red Sands” has been accepted as a part of our WW2/maritime history and there are great plans for it.

J.P.