I'd like to remind members of the existence of the Society's 'Kent Defence Research Group' and to invite the involvement of any interested readers. The motto of the Group is 'Record, Research, Retrieve' and its formal aims are to: Research the history of the defences against attack for invasion built in Kent since the introduction of firearms. Fully record all surviving fortifications.
Bring to public notice the extent and variety of our defensive heritage and to press for the preservation of selected defences of importance and interest.
Carry out excavation and restoration work in appropriate cases. Publish the results of research and excavations undertaken. Provide a friendly and informal forum for the exchange of information and ideas.
The Group publishes a lively quarterly journal called 'Ravelin' and occasional papers called 'Ravelin Specials'. Both of these have a breadth of view which extends beyond Kent.
Since its formation in 1973, the Group has undertaken a wide range of activities, including many research projects, which have been published in a variety of journals and magazines. A Tudor blockhouse has been excavated and New Tavern Fort restored and re-armed. The group also set up a steering group which led to the inception of a project for the restoration of Coalhouse Fort at East Tilbury. There have been many advisory inputs by members to a range of restoration projects in the UK and abroad. One member is undertaking a major study of 20th-century defences in Scotland for the Historic Scotland organisation. The group has campaigned for the conservation of our defensive heritage, including a part in the moves for the presentation of the Grand Shaft at Dover. It has sometimes given evidence at planning enquiries affecting fortifications, not least of which was that concerned with the development scheme which would have obliterated an important part of the Royal Military canal. Members have a vital role in acting as the eyes and ears of the Group watchdog which aims to stand guard over Kent's defensive heritage.
The coasts and inland areas are being gradually searched in field expeditions for extant defensive sites, or traces of them, from gun batteries and forts to pill boxes and slit-trenches, from anti-aircraft battery sites to radar installations and many other categories besides - covering a date range of over 500 years. The variety is great and each site has its own fascinating story to tell. Much still remains to be done.
Some members prefer to concentrate on researching and writing up defences which are local to them or are of particular and personal interest. The possibilities for involvement are extensive. Naturally members match their involvement to their time available. You don't have to be an expert in fortifications to be involved, and to indulge your interests in an enjoyable way, as well as to make a contribution to knowledge. Many members of the KDRG knew little about fortifications before they joined but it is surprising how knowledge and expertise develops and grows when you get involved.
There are still areas of the county to be searched for defences and also defences found earlier to be re-assessed. There are local, county and national archives to be explored for information and defences to be researched and written up. A major need is for the recollections and anecdotes of those who can remember the Second World War, (and earlier defences) of this century to be collected and noted down. Such information does much to bring the defences to life.
The KDRG is open to anyone. The present membership is nearly 50, of which a small number are KAS members. We would like to see more of the latter join and become involved. Anyone from the KAS who applies automatically becomes a member but we do ask for a subscription of £6.50 per year which covers the cost of 4 quarterly journals and any occasional papers, usually at least one a year. Anyone who is interested please contact either: David Burridge, Secretary/Editor, or Victor Smith.
We would be happy to discuss the possibilities with you, to advise on current Group activities in which you might join and to suggest topics you could consider following up - or just provide you with all information for joining if you would prefer simply to subscribe to the quarterly journals and 'Specials'.
Victor T C Smith
