Second World War Minefield Control Tower at Coalhouse Fort (EHER 10299)
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Summary
A two-storey minefield control tower which still stands 50 yards to the north of Coalhouse Fort. This concrete installation controlled an electronically fired minefield in the River Thames.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred TQ 6907 7657 (412m by 824m) |
|---|---|
| Unitary Authority | THURROCK, ESSEX |
Type and Period
Description
Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import.
During World War Two the River Thames was defended by an electrically-fired minefield. This was connected to a two-storey minefield control tower which still stands 50 yards to the north of Coalhouse Fort. It is 15' square, constructed of concrete and has six machine-gun apertures at ground level and one large observation aperture on the first-floor. On the roof, originally accessible from the interior, is a small square observation position. A steel ladder leads from the ground to first-floor. Three photos of site. <1>
Site Assessment = The entire structure is in good condition and stands as a well-preserved example of a rare monument type.
Photographed <2>
Additional references <3> <4> <5>
Sources
- <1> SEX31461 Photograph: Nash, F.. 1996. WWII defences. three frames.
- <2> SEX60359 Aerial Photograph: Tyler, S.. 2000. CP/00/9/13.
- <3> SEX70042 Report: Smith, J.. 2007. East Tilbury, Essex - Historic Area Appraisal. mentioned in appraisal p. 25.
- <4> SEX76214 Webpage: Clarke, J.. 1996-2003. Defence of Britain Database.
- <5> SEX75778 Collection: Various. Various. Historic England Archive. DEB01.
Related Monuments/Buildings (1)
Other References
- Old SMR Number: TQ67
- NRHE identifier: 1429727
- National Monuments Record: TQ 67 NE 85