Hi all - is there a source that outlines (broad detail!) the Portsmouth harbour defences (anti-submarine nets, booms, etc.) I'm looking at a copy of some operational instructions and they make reference both to the Nab Tower (the outward bound force was to be met there by some motor launches) but also says: The outward route to be followed is along the Portsmouth Eastern Approach Channel to "E" light buoy. The orders include a sketch map that indicates the position with an 'E' (see attached). But to my eye, this looks to be pretty much where the Nab Tower is - so possibly the same location?
Stephen Fisher & maybe Chris Kolonko might be worth an ask. Sure there's someone else that has covered it recently, but memory fails. Both pretty active on Twatter: https://twitter.com/SeaSpitfires?s=20 https://twitter.com/ckolonko?s=20
Thanks - I'll see if anyone comes up with anything here first - I'm conscious that I'm always asking Stephen one thing or another! He must get deluged as a result of his generosity with information.
He does tend to crop up during this stuff, doesn't he. Decent type, though. Always seems ready to hold forth.
From one of two local experts. There is little written about the Portsmouth anti-submarine defences. The nets etc were in position for WW2, between the Palmerston era sea forts (closer to Portsmouth); the nets were removed and put back when the Korean War happened. They were only removed at the end of the Cold War. It was long rumoured that Bembridge Fort, on the isle of Wight's east coast, was the listening post (manned by WRENS) for the indicator loops placed in the channel. The nets etc were watched over by examination battery / batteries; for the western channel it was Bouldnor Fort, with two 6" guns; this fort was the model for other examination batteries after 1941-1942.
Well, I just well and truly went down a rabbit hole - thank you! That site has a page on Portsmouth and mentions "a known loop and anti submarine boom between No Man's Land Fort and Horse Sand Fort protecting east approach to the Solent" - so that's considerably further in than Nab Tower (which to be honest doesn't surprise me as it's a shorter distance to cover!). There are some great 'boom defence' photos on the IWM website - I love discovering 'unheralded' aspects of the war like this. Includes this intriguing one from Portsmouth (IWM A 17161). Thank you!
Temujin has added maps that may help see: Operation Neptune - Force ‘J’ I assume the lines drawn to the east of Portsmouth denote where the nets etc were laid between the sea forts. A very timely addition and I have added a cross reference on that thread. You will need a good magnifying device!
Hi, A larger version of the map that Temujin posted is online here https://nfknowledge.org/contributions/operation-overlord-may-1944/#lg=1&slide=3
A local historian and fortification enthusiast has pointed out that the western channel to enter The Solent is quite shallow and narrow, so larger vessels do not use it. Yachts can use it. That led me to recall on a large cruise ship a few years ago from Southampton one afternoon we sailed out via the eastern channel i.e. passing Portsmouth. Hopefully the contact can come back with more.
Attached are two maps of the area (date unknown), which show the features, depth and more. The third image is of a barrier in shallow water out to a sea fort, almost like dragons teeth. You will need a magnifying glass for the maps.
I think you will find that the Western entrance to the Solent was used by many passenger ships, including the QE2. While it is narrow has a long spit protecting it there is enough depth. Until somewhen in the 1970s (I think) there was a cruising pilot cutter there. That said coming past the Bridge buoy was not much fun!
