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DOVER BREAKWATER
The detached breakwater was constructed in 1904 and, along with the expanded harbour, the guns on the breakwater served to defend the harbour itself. Alongside the gun emplacements were searchlights, accommodation and magazines. Originally the guns would have been light 12 pounders and heavier 6 inch guns but with the need for heavier artillery with the advent of WWII, twin 6 pdr guns were added. The remains for the emplacements for these twin 6-pdrs can be seen at the western end of the breakwater, and the searchlight sponsons are clearly visible in this vicinity too, although they have been damaged by wave action. At quay level is the casemated accommodation for barracks, stores, magazines, engine room and latrines. The magazines still have their shell and cartridge lifts in place. A barrack at the western end has murals that date from the Second World War period, including "Popeye" and "Mickey Mouse".
The breakwater defences appear to have been maintained until coastal defences were disbanded in 1956. Many of the structures within the breakwater are now home to seagulls and a rather large population of pigeons; needless to say, there is a huge amount of their deposits piled up on the breakwater. Dover Harbour Board intend to seal up the breakwater in the near future to prevent the corrosive action of bird deposits doing any further damage, as well as presenting a hazard to health. The extreme ends of the breakwater are already closed to anglers as a protective measure to the integrity of the structure.
Location: The Harbour, Dover
Condition: Poor
Date Of Visit: 09/07/04
Plan: No
Fortifications In This Area:
The Citadel, The Well House, Western Outworks, Outer Bastion, South Flank Casemates, North Flank Casemates, Archcliffe Cells, Archcliffe Galleries, Detached Bastion, North Entrance, Dover Turret
Location.
DOVER HARBOUR BREAKWATER
On the western end of the Breakwater.
On the eastern end of the Breakwater.
Casemated accommodation at quay level.
Ready to use ammunition lockers on the upper level.
On the gun emplacement for a twin 6-pdr.
On the gun emplacement.
In the magazines, this mural of Mickey Mouse dates from WWII.
Same room, a mural of Popeye.
Popeye, Olive Oyl and Wimpy
Shell hoist.
Top of shell hoist.
Latrines.
On the eastern end of the breakwater which is in a more dilapidated state.
The accommodation block at the eastern end .