More information : A Second World War embarkation hard located at Stansgate Abbey on the River Blackwater (TQ 931 059). This was a 4-berth hard that was built between 1942 and 1943 for Landing Craft transporting troops (LCT). It was controlled by Nore Command.
Further embarkation hards for Nore Command were located at Stone Point (TQ 953 063), Cat House (TM 194 391), two sites at Landguard (TM 282 313, TM 284 320, TM 284 327), Shornmead (TQ 691 748) and Pontoon Hard (TQ 758 701). A further five sites at Tilbury and two sites at Upnor have not been traced.
Embarkation hards were built by the Admiralty as part of Operation Overlord to load landing vessels in preparation for D-Day and the invasion of occupied Europe. A total of 68 individual hards were constructed between 1942 and 1944 across the southern coast of England in every county between Suffolk and Cornwall.
There were two types of embarkation hards: LCT hards for landing crafts for troops and LST hards for landing ships carrying tanks. A standard hard consisted of a rectangular concrete apron that sloped down into the water, which was equipped with steel framed mooring points (known as dolphins) to moor the vessels during loading. Hard sites included access roads to link the hards to public highways, approach roads to accommodate the concentrated heavy traffic and transit areas for marshalling troops, vehicles and equipment. Accommodation and ancillary buildings at hard sites would include offices for embarkation staff; a central control room; a workshop for maintenance crew; stores; a watch hut and a latrine. Sites were also fitted with fuel, lighting and utilities. (1)
The NGR in the above report was inaccurately given as TQ 931 059. The correct NGR is TL 931 059. (2)
Essex HER reports that the hard survives in excellent condition and is currently used as the berthing point for Marconi Sailing Club. The apron is approximately 87 yards (80 metres) across at its widest point and approximately 55 yards (50 metres) in depth. Five steel mooring rings are situated across the top landward part of the hard. There is no sign of the 'dolphins'. None of the ancillary buildings have survived. (3) |