Site of Second World War observation tower, South of Havengore Creek, Great Wakering (EHER 20812)

Now destroyed. The site of a square, brick-faced observation tower which was built during the wartime years and subsequently demolished.

July 2003. World War Two Defences in Rochford survey: site visit and desktop research. An aerial photograph taken in May 1946 shows a tall, square-in-plan tower, probably with an open top, standing to the south of Havengore Creek. It is locally recalled that this was a brick-faced observation tower, built during the wartime years and subsequently demolished. <1> <2> Visiting the site in July 2003, the location was found to be at the end of a high, grassy ridge, overlooking countryside to the north, east and south. From here, there are wide views over Rushey Island and Havengore Island, Havengore Creek and Havengore Bridge, and all the ground south-east to Landwick Cottages and south to Great Wakering Common. An observation position here would have been invaluable in the event of a German attack pressing inland from landings on Foulness or Wakering Stairs. At the site, some remains of the tower were found embedded in the grass on the ridge top - 'WWII' concrete, reinforcement rods and brickwork. <3> Three photos. <4>