RED SANDS TOWERS: Exploring the Historic Maunsell Sea Forts of the Thames Estuary
After eight years of dreaming, the Red Sands Towers were finally within reach! I was about to swap daydreaming for real life – a proper, up-close encounter with the Maunsell Fort. Of course, I’d have given anything to actually set foot on them (a girl can dream, right?), but even just seeing them looming above me? It was a moment I won’t forget any time soon!
We boarded a private boat and the Red Sands Towers were top of my list of ‘must-visit’ on the itinerary! With my family in tow, we set on our adventure….you can check out the full itinerary of our Thames Estuary adventure THAMES ESTUARY BOAT TRIP: Sea Forts, Shipwrecks, and Wildlife, which included Southend Pier, Mulberry Harbour, Knock John, Shivering Sands, Red Sands, a bonus of dolphin watching, and the SS Richard Montgomery shipwreck.
So, let me inspire you to plan your own trip to visit these fascinating giants protruding from the waters and learn about the significance they played in WW2.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Red Sands Towers: A Bucket List Moment
- The History of Red Sands Towers
- A Breakdown of the Thames Estuary Maunsell Forts
- Facts about Red Sands Maunsell Fort
- Deep dive into Guy Maunsell’s WWII Designs
- Red Sands on Screen: Television & Film Appearances
- How to tell the difference between Red Sands and Shivering Sands?
- Are you ready to take a Thames Estuary journey to Red Sands Towers?
Please note that this post contains affiliate links. This means that if you purchase a product through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue creating high-quality content.
Red Sands Towers: A Bucket List Moment
Making our way towards the Red Sands Towers, a beautiful Thames Estuary Fort, they appeared dwarfed by the wind farm on the horizon, however their imposing presence became realised as we came closer.
As we approached the Red Sands Towers, a sense of achievement washed over me. I’d finally done it—Red Sands ticked off the bucket list!
The raw, haunting beauty of their state of decay was evident as the boat bobbed around the structures. I took time to soak in every detail. Barnacles encrusted the concrete legs of each tower. They seemed to add a natural layer of protection against the estuary’s currents and tides. Windows hung precariously. Their frames were rusted and warped. I wondered how long they would cling on before sinking to the estuary bed.
The feeling of being so small on the water next to these huge structures was amazing.
THE HISTORY OF RED SANDS TOWERS
World War II: Defending London and The Thames Estuary
During World War II, Red Sands Towers, part of a series of defensive structures known as Maunsell Forts, were constructed to protect the Thames Estuary and London from German air and sea attacks. The Port of London, one of the world’s busiest ports, was critical for transporting supplies. Recognising this, the German Navy sought to disrupt this vital route. The Thames Estuary was critical to British maritime defence. As a result, its protection became a primary objective, and The Redsands Towers played a crucial role in achieving this.
Designed by Guy Anson Maunsell, plans were approved which led to the construction of three Army and four Navy forts, including Red Sands. These forts were strategically placed to combat aerial mining and bombing, providing crucial anti-aircraft defence.
Red Sands, an “Army Fort,” was comprised of seven interconnected towers: five gun towers, a searchlight tower, and a central command and accommodation block, all linked by walkways.
The towers were built on land at the Red Lion Wharf site in Gravesend, then floated down the river on barges, and meticulously lowered onto the seabed. Wouldn’t it be absolutely fascinating to take a dive down to fully appreciate the ingenuity of Maunsell’s engineering?
Collectively, the soldiers stationed on the navy and army forts of the Thames Estuary were responsible for shooting down 22 aircraft and 30 doodlebugs (V-1) flying bombs and played a vital role in the loss of one U-boat! They contributed significantly to the protection of London.
Post-War Period: Abandonment and the Pirate Radio Revolution at Red Sands Fort
After the war, the forts were placed on “care and maintenance,” but as their strategic importance diminished, they were decommissioned and abandoned by the Ministry of Defence in 1956, with the guns being removed.
Similar to other Maunsell Forts, Red Sands Towers’ story was to continue in the form of pirate radio!
In 1964, Radio Invicta began broadcasting from the towers, later becoming KING Radio in March 1965 (unfortunately, it was a bit of a flop!) and lastly and most notably, Radio 390 in September 1965.
The pirate stations operated without license and were unregulated, with the ability to play whatever they pleased. As you can imagine, this didn’t go down too well with the government!
Radio 390 continued to broadcast until July 1967. Then, the crackdown on offshore pirate radio stations, and the implementation of the Marine Broadcasting Offences Act, put an end to it.
Following the pirate radio era, the forts were stripped of ladders and catwalks to prevent access and the forts were once again abandoned, left to the mercy of the elements.
Deterioration and Preservation Efforts Today: Red Sands Fort Future
Over the decades, Red Sands has suffered from weathering and deterioration, and despite the challenges, “Project Redsand” are dedicated to preserving and restoring these iconic structures. Their aim is to transform the forts into a historical museum, ensuring that future generations can learn about their wartime role and the era of pirate radio.
A Breakdown of the Thames Estuary Maunsell Forts
Navy Forts:
- U1 Rough Sands Fort
- U2 Sunk Head Fort (destroyed by Royal Navy in 1967)
- U3 Tongue Sands Fort (the only remaining part is an 18-foot stump of the south leg that can be seen at low tide)
- U4 Knock John Fort – see our dedicated blog KNOCK JOHN MAUNSELL FORT: A WWII Relic Still Standing
Army Forts:
- U5 Nore Fort (dismantled)
- U6 Red Sands Fort
- U7 Shivering Sands Fort – see our dedicated blog SHIVERING SANDS MAUNSELL FORT: A Piece of WWII History
Facts about Red Sands Maunsell Fort
- Codename: Uncle 6 (U6)
- Construction: 1943
- Location: Thames Estuary (51.28.62 North 0.59.60 East)
- Purpose: While their primary purpose was anti-aircraft defence, the forts were also equipped to deter and engage enemy ships and submarines during World War II.
- Original structure: Seven separate towers, each set on four concrete legs supporting a steel structure 100ft above sea level and connected by narrow catwalks. This complex consisted of five gun towers, a searchlight tower and a main control tower.
- Operational Capacity: Over 100 men would have been stationed at the fort for periods of 6 weeks at a time in rotation.
Deep dive into Guy Maunsell’s WWII Designs
For a deeper dive into the engineering marvels of WWII, we recommend watching a short documentary by Frank R Turner. This film details the construction of a few of Guy Maunsell’s innovative designs.
Red Sands on Screen: Television & Film Appearances
The Red Sands Towers are a bit of a celebrity: did you know they’ve made several appearances in television and film?! Here are the ones I know:
- Danger Man (1966): The episode “Not So Jolly Roger” was partially filmed at Red Sands Fort.
- Doctor Who (1968): The BBC TV series filmed part of the episode “Fury From The Deep” at Red Sands, with the fort depicting a gas drilling platform.
- Slade in Flame (1975): in the glam rock band Slade’s movie, the band are interviewed by the pirate radio station Radio City.
- Artemis Fowl (2020): aerial views of the Red Sands Towers are used to depict the exterior of a secret MI6 interrogation centre.
How to tell the difference between Red Sands and Shivering Sands?
Can you spot the difference? Red Sands Towers and Shivering Sands Towers look remarkably similar. However, the most obvious distinction between the two is that Shivering Sands is missing a tower. A ship collision in 1963 caused this unforgettable ‘oopsie daisy.’ Consequently, only the base now peeks from the water.
Are you ready to take a Thames Estuary journey to Red Sands Towers?
So, there you have it – Red Sands, standing proud out there in the Thames Estuary. It’s wild to think these ‘surreal architectural relics,’ as some call them, were once a crucial part of our wartime defences. Now? There’s this incredible sense of peace about them, a real contrast to the tense, watchful days of WWII when soldiers scanned the skies for trouble. It’s like they’ve earned their quiet.
And honestly, if you’re even a little bit curious about seeing these giants for yourself, you’ve GOT to book a trip with Brownes Thames Estuary Boat Trips. Seriously, it’s the best way to experience the forts. Our skipper, Angus, was a legend – full of stories and passion. We were hooked! We’re already planning our next adventure with them, and you should too. Trust me, it’s a memory-maker.
Extend Your Thames Estuary Adventure
Your journey to Red Sands Towers is a fantastic starting point for exploring the Southend and Thames Estuary region. To make the most of your visit, consider these additional activities:
- Southend Pier: Take a leisurely walk along the world’s longest pleasure pier, offering stunning views of the estuary – SOUTHEND PIER: Here’s why you need to visit
- Shoeburyness Boom: Discover a fascinating piece of local history at this intriguing site – SHOEBURYNESS BOOM: History, and Coastal Beauty in Essex
- The Ultimate Southend Guide: Plan your complete Southend experience with our comprehensive guide to attractions, dining, and more – The Ultimate Guide to Southend-on-Sea: More Than Just A Beach Town