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| Home
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and Weymouth / Garrison Life |
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| Mobilisation at the Forts |
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| Source: Various (please see
Site Credits) |
Click any picture to enlarge
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| The Dorset Heavy
Regiment Royal Artillery (Territorial Army) was called out for
military service on the 19th September 1939 at the start of
WW2. Their task was to man the guns of the various forts defending
Portland Harbour - the Breakwater Fort, the Nothe Fort, East
Wear Batteries and the other sea forts along the breakwaters. |
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| Officer's Mess, Breakwater Fort |
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| One of the regiments
duties was to form the Examination Service. Instructions were
laid down by Admiral the Earl of Cork and Orrey as C-in-C Portsmouth
and General A.P. Wavell, GOC Southern Command for the character
and intention of vessels, other than HM Ships and Allied warships,
seeking entrance to be ascertained. If necessary warning was
to be given of the presence of suspicious ships. The 6 inch
guns of the Breakwater Fort were to be the Examination Battery
with the 6 inch guns of the Nothe in support. |
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| 6" gun crew closed up at the Nothe Fort |
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| View from the gun port window, officers'
quarters, Breakwater Fort. Stormy seas |
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| Makeshift rifle range at the Nothe Fort |
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| Waiting for "My Girl" |
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| Officer's Quarters, Breakwater Fort |
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| Writing Home |
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| The Dorset Heavy Regiment
had three batteries, 179 from Weymouth, 180 from Portland and
186 from Poole. Turns were taken manning the different forts,
living conditions on the breakwaters being somewhat limited.
Leisure activities were restricted mainly to a canteen and visiting
ENSA concert parties brought out to the breakwaters by the launch,
"My Girl". "My Girl" also brought the daily supplies, ammunition,
mail, medical attention, drafts and visitors. |
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| Sun seeking by the side of the Nothe.
The girls are probably from the canteen. Officer standing
is Major Yeatman, the Battery Commander |
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| Nothe Fort canteen |
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| Short back and sides |
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| Shooting rats, high entertainment |
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