MAUNSELL ARMY SEA FORTS OF THE THAMES ESTUARY

Following on from the Naval Sea Fort design, forty-nine Army towers were ordered to be placed in the Thames Estuary to deter German aircraft from using the River Thames as a navigational aid to the centre of London. The towers, set down in clusters of seven, were mounted with 3.7-inch anti-aircraft guns and 40 mm Bofors. A very advanced design that led to the first North Sea exploration rig in the post-war period. Some of these Army Forts still stand and can be clearly seen from the Whitstable or Herne Bay coastline. Contains photographs and drawings.