Minewatching post at SY 69464 74694 (Coaling Pier #1)
As part of the World War II defences for HM Naval Base Portland at Portland Harbour, a number of structures were constructed both within the dockyard area and on the four breakwater arms of the harbour, while other 19th and early 20th century structures were also put into use. On the northern edge of the harbour's coaling pier are two World War II minewatching posts of identical naval design. They would have been constructed during 1940 as a part of British anti-invasion preparations, at a time when the German's invasion plan, Operation Sea Lion, was considered a major threat.
The posts are rectangular in shape, and built of red brick, with concrete roofs. The structures have all-round visibility through four embrasures, while the entrance of each is situated on the eastern side. Both structures are nestled among stone boulders piled along the edge of the pier. In c. 1978-80, the deep water berth was added to the coaling pier which has obstructed the original open view of the two posts.
At the time of inspection, in March 2015, the eastern-most post remains in better condition than the one further west, though both show signs of exterior damage. There is some notable damage to the eastern-most corner embrasure, with the loss of some brickwork directly above the opening. The corner of the roof above this embrasure has some cracks forming too, while the entrance is largely blocked by a stone boulder.
The posts are rectangular in shape, and built of red brick, with concrete roofs. The structures have all-round visibility through four embrasures, while the entrance of each is situated on the eastern side. Both structures are nestled among stone boulders piled along the edge of the pier. In c. 1978-80, the deep water berth was added to the coaling pier which has obstructed the original open view of the two posts.
At the time of inspection, in March 2015, the eastern-most post remains in better condition than the one further west, though both show signs of exterior damage. There is some notable damage to the eastern-most corner embrasure, with the loss of some brickwork directly above the opening. The corner of the roof above this embrasure has some cracks forming too, while the entrance is largely blocked by a stone boulder.
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