Mines and minefields

Ipsam mollit? Netus sapiente. Proident penatibus maecenas esse mauris quas iure. Vitae, tellus quod tellus velit minim! Hymenaeos? Adipisicing praesentium! Expedita. Facilisis eleifend nostrum? Pharetra elementum quas posuere, consectetur arcu facilis doloremque velit, nisi proin porta, omnis cum dictum dui. Potenti corporis. Optio tempore provident irure fermentum? Laborum voluptas sociis elit perferendis at aliqua? Tempora ullam deserunt pharetra consequuntur maecenas nascetur autem lectus mollit? Ultrices, fuga deserunt aute, eiusmod.

---

1880 – 1904

Between 1880 and 1904, a naval minefield was installed across the estuary from Beacon Hill to Landguard Point. The mines, laid to protect the entrance to the harbour, were to be fired electrically from Landguard Fort.

An observation station was set up on the north west corner of the fort, and a casemate was converted to house batteries and switch gear. The casemate still retains some of the cables which were used to detonate the mines.

A new depot was set up in the Ravelin Block, just north of Landguard Fort, to maintain the mines. Parts of the narrow gauge railway still exist, including a turntable inside, used to move the mines about.

The railway originally ran between the Ravelin Block and the fort, across the shingle and down to the waters edge. The mines would have travelled along a jetty onto awaiting boats, to be taken out into the river. The derelict remains of the jetty can still be seen.

The mines were withdrawn after 1904, probably by detonating them in situ. It was not until c1940 that the estuary was, once again, protected by a controlled minefield.

---

1939 – 1945

---

Back Continue