Monument record TR 34 NE 116 - Deep shelter for St Margaret's Battery.

A complex of tunnels is located in the cliffs at The Leas, TR 372450. Investigation in 1993 revealed graffiti of 1941 on the walls. The complex probably served as a deep shelter for the nearby St Margaret's battery during WWII. It has been suggested that the site was later used as a radar base monitoring shipping in the channel, before being abandoned in the mid 1960's. .(1) However, this seems unlikely as there were Rotor stations nearby and there is no reason to associate this site with radar use. (2)

Deep shelter serving 'Z' Rocket Battery. Main tunnels lined with 4ins 'H'-section steel girders at 2ft 9ins centres, bracing 1.5ins corrugated heavy galvanised steel sheet. All floors within lined sections are flat and level, fine screeded with at least 2ins-4.5ins sharp sand and cement. The original timber and plywood lining still remains, although damaged and decomposing. All stairs are to some extent obstructed by soil, rubble, and rubbish from infilling. [Plan drawn by A. Temple (1992). Additional plan (digitised) made in 1972 by Kent Fire Brigade]. Bockell Hill, St. Margaret's Bay. (3)

<1> Kent Underground Res Grp Newsletter 37 June 1993 4 (plan) (A Miles) (OS Card Reference). SKE45946.

<2> John A. Guy, 2013-, Verbal communication from John Guy, defence expert working in the Dover area (Verbal communication). SKE24831.

<3> Council for British Archaeology, 2002, Defence of Britain Project (Digital archive). SKE32029.