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Monument details

HER Number:TQ 67 NW 106
Type of record:Monument
Name:Bell Wharf Second World War minewatching post, Swanscombe, Kent

Summary

Minewatching observation post established on the end of Bell Wharf on the northern extremity of Swanscombe Marshes during the Second World War, one of a network of such posts at 600 yard intervals along the bank of the river Thames to spot for the landing of air-dropped anti-shipping mines. Of unknown design, it probably originated in 1940 to be decommissioned by 1945. The end of the pier was demolished c. 2000. (location accurate to the nearest 10m based on available information)


Grid Reference:TQ 6004 7623
Map Sheet:TQ67NW
Parish:SWANSCOMBE AND GREENHITHE, DARTFORD, KENT

Monument Types

Full description

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Minewatching observation post established at the end of Bell Wharf on the extremity of Swanscombe Marshes during the Second World War, one of a network of such posts at 600 yard intervals along the bank of the river Thames to spot for the landing of air dropped anti-shipping mines. Any spotted would be reported to a control room elsewhere for disposal action to be taken. Of unknown design, it probably originated in 1940 to be decommissioned by 1945. The end of the pier was demolished c. 2000. it is not visble on the historic photographs or maps but the end of the pier is still present in the 1946 and 1990 aerial photographs. (1) and its is marked as a Dolphin on the fourth edition OS map (2)


<1> RAF, 1946, 1940s aerial photograph (Photograph (Print)). SKE31377.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1928-1947, Ordnance Survey 1:2500 4th edition 1928-1947 (Map). SKE12644.

Sources and further reading

Cross-ref. Source description
<1>XYPhotograph (Print): RAF. 1946. 1940s aerial photograph. r16photo7009; r56photo4056, r79photo4120. B&W. [Mapped feature: #76271 Minewatching post, ]
<3>Map: Ordnance Survey. 1928-1947. Ordnance Survey 1:2500 4th edition 1928-1947.

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