Penarth Dock, South Wales - the heritage and legacy

Volume Eight - Pre-Victorian to the present day - more aspects - Moments captured in time

An aerial view of the Penarth Head Fort and Coastal Battery [061] with the two 6" quick firing gun emplacements clearly seen in the enlarged (colourised) image. The battery was approved in 1902 but the guns were not in place until 1906.

A chart of the Seven Sea Defences of 1912 shows interlocking arcs of fire at Penarth, Lavernock and Nell's Point at Barry. Coupled with the four batteries situated on Flat Holm and other guns on Steep Holm the system provided comprehensive protection of the approaches to the strategically important ports of Barry, Penarth and Cardiff. The Penarth guns were reported to be still in place during the 1920's.

All sea defences were controlled from 'Lavernock House' nearby the Lavernock Battery. They also experimented with rocket firing there; one brought down a plane. This info came from a booklet named 'Guns Across the Seven' subtitled 'The Victorian Fortifications of Glamorgan' ; it is so interesting, however, the authors neglected to say if the plane which was shot down was one of ours! [321]

1913 - Penarth Battery (Gun Practice) : 'Mr Brace asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the property of Mr. T. O. Bevan, 10, Paget Place, Penarth, was damaged by reason of the firing from Penarth Battery in July or August, 1912; whether he is aware that Mr. Bevan applied to the Army Council for compensation for the damage done, and that the Army Council declined to pay compensation ; if he will reconsider Mr. Bevans claim ; and, if the law as it at present exists is not sufficient to allow the Army Council to meet such a claim for compensation, will he introduce legislation of such a kind and character as will permit compensation to be paid for damage done to citizens' property by Artillery firing!' - The Parliamentary Debates [1013] [499] 13th March 1913.

GWR map from the 1920's showing the 'Barracks' adjacent to the National Childrens Home and Orphanage which became the Nautical School at Penarth Head.

A GWR map from the 1920's showing the 'Barracks' adjacent to the National Children's Home and Orphanage which became the Nautical School. [001] [301]

Over at Cardiff in 1940-41 there were also two 6" breech loading guns assigned for anti-torpedo boat duties which were manned by the Home Guard. During a tour of inspection in April 1941 the report described No. 366 Coastal Battery at Cardiff as 'a poor lot'. So its 'Donkey Island' 1 : 'Tiger Bay' 0 - eh?!

1930 - British Army (Penarth Head Fort) - During January 1930, the following question was asked about the future of the Fort upon Penarth Head in the Houses of Parliament :

'Mr. Freeman asked the Secretary of State for War whether the fort at Penarth Head has been found to be redundant; and what action he proposes to take concerning the matter?

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. T. Shaw) responded : The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, steps will be taken to dispose of the property as soon as the guns and stores have been removed, and as my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary stated on 10th December last, the Penarth Urban District Council will be given an opportunity of purchasing at a fair price.' - Hansard [088] [499] 21st January 1930.