Monument record TQ 76 NW 400 - Wouldham Camp / Prisoner Of War Camp 654a

Summary

Camp and training ground used by the Royal Engineers for training in bridge building. Also the site of a Second World War prisoner of war camp known as Camp 654a. This was a working camp for German prisoners, who worked as labourers in the local area. It could have been in use up until 1948. The camp has since been removed but a footprint of the camp remains extant.

Location

Grid reference TQ 7124 6526 (point)
Map sheet TQ76NW
County KENT
District TONBRIDGE AND MALLING, KENT
Civil Parish WOULDHAM, TONBRIDGE AND MALLING, KENT

Map

Type and Period (2)

Full Description

Site of Royal Engineers camp used for training in building pontoon bridges. Hard at bank of Medway for launching pontoons, (1) Os 2nd, 3rd and 4th editions.
All huts on site have been removed.

A Second World War prisoner of war camp at Wouldham, Rochester (TQ 7123 6527), known as R.E. Bridging Camp or Camp 654a. This was a German working camp. It has since been removed, but a footprint of the camp remains extant. (2)


<1> Jim Preston Personal Communication (Verbal communication). SKE13236.

<2> English Heritage, 2003, Prisoner of War Camps (1939-1948) (Unpublished document). SKE16521.

Sources/Archives (2)

  • <1> Verbal communication: Jim Preston Personal Communication.
  • <2> Unpublished document: English Heritage. 2003. Prisoner of War Camps (1939-1948).

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

  • Non-Intrusive Event: Landscapes of War national recording project (Kent) (EKE20813)

Record last edited

Jan 16 2026 4:14PM