Minewatching Posts (Coaling Pier)
As part of the World War II defences for Portland Harbour, four minewatching posts were constructed in 1940 along the northern side of the coaling pier. With the fall of France in 1940, Portland became a target for the Luftwaffe, who carried out 48 attacks on the island over the course of the war. The four posts were used to spot any parachute mines dropped within the harbour by enemy aircraft. The posts were built of red brick with concrete roofs. They were rectangular in shape and had all-round visibility through four embrasures.
All four posts have since been demolished. The two easternmost posts survived until 2022-23 when Portland Port Ltd carried out their £26 million redevelopment and expansion of the deep water berth and coaling pier.
All four posts have since been demolished. The two easternmost posts survived until 2022-23 when Portland Port Ltd carried out their £26 million redevelopment and expansion of the deep water berth and coaling pier.
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