South Hook Fort facts for kids
South Hook Fort is an old fort located on the northern coast of Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is a very important historical building, officially called a Grade II*-listed building. This fort was one of many built to protect the important waterway of Milford Haven. These forts were created after a special report called the Royal Commission on the Defence of the United Kingdom suggested ways to keep Britain safe.
Contents
Protecting Milford Haven
Building work on South Hook Fort started in 1859. This was even before the Royal Commission's report was officially released. The fort was designed to work with other forts, like Hubberstone across the water. Together, they formed a strong double defence system for Milford Haven.
How the Fort Was Built
South Hook Fort has a unique D-shape. Its walls are very thick, about 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide. Inside, there was a horseshoe-shaped building with two floors. This building served as barracks for the soldiers.
The fort also had two separate areas for guns, called batteries. These were protected by earthworks, which are mounds of earth. Covered walkways connected these gun areas to the main fort. This kept soldiers safe as they moved around.
Guns and Defences
When it was first built, South Hook Fort had twenty large guns. These guns faced out towards the sea, ready to defend the waterway. Over time, the number and type of guns were changed.
The fort was also surrounded by a deep ditch. To get inside, people had to cross a bridge. The entire fort was finished in 1865.
Searchlights and Crossfire
South Hook Fort had a special unit with a powerful searchlight. This was called a Defence Electric Light searchlight unit. About 200 men worked here. The fort's guns were carefully aimed to create "crossfire" with guns from other forts. This meant that guns from South Hook, Hubberston, and Popton could all fire at the same target from different directions. This made it very hard for enemy ships to pass.
Fort in Wartime
South Hook Fort played a role in both World Wars.
First World War
During the First World War, the fort was fully staffed with soldiers. It was ready to defend Milford Haven from any attacks.
Between the Wars
After the First World War, the fort was no longer needed as much. It was abandoned in the 1930s. In 1936, it was sold to a private owner.
Second World War
However, when the Second World War began in 1939, the British Navy took over the fort again. They renamed it HMS Skirmisher. During this war, the fort was staffed by WRENS. WRENS were women who served in the Royal Navy. They controlled the movements of naval ships in Milford Haven.
After the Wars
After the Second World War ended, the fort was no longer used by the military. It was returned to private ownership. Today, parts of the fort are connected to the South Hook LNG terminal jetty.
