Fortress Study Group

By the Second World War the 12 pounders were inadequate and were replaced by two very fast firing ‘twin 6 pounder’ guns. Only the emplacements survive at Drake’s Island. The gun is in Portugal.

By 1903 the island was being remodelled again, this time for 3 x 6 inch breech loading (BL) guns and 6 x 12 pounder quick firing (QF) guns to deal with the, then new, fast torpedo boats. However …..

Today @FortressStudy and @PalmerstonForts visited Drake’s Island in Plymouth Sound. Fortified since the 1500’s the Island was extensively fortified in the 1860’s for Rifle Muzzle Loading guns like these mounted in the open ‘en-barrette’ and …

Redoubt No 5 is a little to the north and is an imposing sight. Thank you to the Rame Conservation Trust for all their hard work to look after these important sites and for hosting us today.

In 1903 the site was modernised for 3 x 4.7 inch quick firing guns. They have a fabulous view across Plymouth Sound - but not today!

@PalmerstonForts and @FortressStudy visited the string of redoubts built across the Rame Peninsula during the American Revolutionary War in the 1770’s. This is Redoubt No 4 later known as Grenville Battery. Thanks to the 32nd Cornish Regt for providing atmosphere.

Thank you to @CrownhillFort for hosting us and to the volunteers who guided us around.

This is a replica 7 inch rifled breech loading gun on a Moncrieff disappearing carriage. The idea was the recoil of the gun swung the gun back into the pit where it could be reloaded without the crew being exposed.

@FortressStudy and @PalmerstonForts are visiting Plymouth this weekend on a study trip. First stop the beautifully restored @CrownhillFort built 1863 - 1871 as part of a line of forts to protect Plymouth from a landward attack from the north. Used by the military until the 1980’s

@James1940 in @WeHaveWaysPod you talked about Northumberland & UK anti invasion defences. If you decide to do an episode @FortressStudy has lots of info. Let us know if we can help with your research. Photo - typical Northumberland Pillbox with Dunstanburgh Castle in background

@cliveinkent Why was it renamed Dummy Battery? It certainly wasn't a dummy battery - it was armed!

Grain Dummy Battery - Isle of Grain 2016

The Solent Sea Forts are important historic sites. The previous owner invested in their restoration which FSG welcomed. We hope the new owner will guarantee a viable future for these fascinating fortifications. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

The members day closed with a picture Quiz. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of FSG membership have a look at our website. Membership starts at £22, we run regular webinars and produce high quality publications. fortressstudygroup.org

Nick Balmer discussed the fortified trading posts on the western coast of India with a particular focus on Tellicherry which had been colonised by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. The dynamics of the relationships with the local Indian rulers were well explained.

To mark yesterday’s members day in London we are relaunching our presence on X. So, if you are interested in artillery fortifications please follow us. Read the thread to learn more about today’s talks.