February 2025

Those strange structures off the Kent coast have played a key role in maritime and radio history. Frank Turner, from Gravesend, is passionate about the Maunsell forts, so much so that he is spearheading a campaign of restoration. He told their fascinating story to a 40-strong audience at the first MMF talk of the year held on February 13 in Maidstone Museum; from the early part of the Second World War to the short-lived pirate radio revolution in the 1960s.

That they are still visible for all to see is a testament to designer Guy Maunsell, an engineer who consistently thought outside the box. He built Putney Bridge in London and came up with an early design for the Mulberry Harbour which was so crucial to the success of D-Day landings in Normandy. Fears that Nazi aircraft would drop mines along the Thames prompted Maunsell to propose armed forts as a solution. His idea was eventually taken up by the Royal Navy.

The naval forts were built at Red Lion Wharf, Northfleet, each with 4,000 tonnes of reinforced concrete to ensure they sank securely into the sea bed. The more familiar Army forts followed, each comprising seven structures with interconnecting walkways.

In the mid-Sixties, the forts became home to Radio Sutch, Radio 390 and Radio King before the then Labour Government banned them and other pirates such as the ship-based Radios Caroline and London. Surprisingly, Maunsell was never rewarded by his country with an honour for his pioneering work. “A brilliant man, totally ignored,” said Frank, who has written books about the forts and Maunsell. He and his colleagues are refurbishing the Redsands Fort so visitors can see the “cosy” quarters and sense what the crews experienced in wartime, thankfully without the need to fire at incoming enemy aircraft.

Donations towards this exciting project are welcome.

More at www.project-redsand.com