Dover in Kent, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Command, Control and Communication

Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 8, 2018

1. Command, Control and Communication Marker

Inscription. Command, Control and Communication This building began in 1874 as a gun battery to defend Dover from attack by enemy ships. Beginning in 1891, the battery was decommissioned and the structure adapted so that, by the First World War, it fulfilled four main functions:
1. Fire Command Post, controlling the coast artillery protecting Dover and the Straits of Dover
2. Port War Signal Station, controlling Royal Navy ships entering and leaving the harbour
3. Royal Navy signalling and wireless communication to and from ships and other signal stations
4. Early warning of attack by ships and aircraft

The large central concrete structure was added in 1941 to give protection from attack by enemy aircraft. It conceals the brick Fire Command Post of 1905 and part of the Port War Signal Station of 1914, the rest of which remains exposed on the left. Still partly visible on the right are remains of the original gun battery.

In the First and Second World Wars, the building was essential for the safety of Dover as a vital garrison and naval base. Its functions are explained inside.

( photo caption )
- The main parts of the building, 1874 to 1945.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, World I • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.

Location.

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51° 7.613′ N, 1° 19.488′ E. Marker is in Dover, England, in Kent. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Castle Hill Road and Canons Gate Road, on the left when traveling south. Located at the Hospital Battery at the cliff’s edge next to Dover Castle. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dover, England CT16 1HU, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Finding the Enemy (a few steps from this marker); The Signal Platform (within shouting distance of this marker); A View to the West (within shouting distance of this marker); Fighting the Enemy in the Sky (within shouting distance of this marker); A View of the Harbour (within shouting distance of this marker); A View to the East (within shouting distance of this marker); Ramsay: retreat and return (within shouting distance of this marker); Operation Dynamo (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dover.

Also see . . .
1. English Heritage - Dover Castle. (Submitted on January 11, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Dover Castle on Wikipedia. (Submitted on January 11, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 8, 2018

2. Command, Control and Communication Marker

The Command, Control and Communication Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 8, 2018

3. The Command, Control and Communication Building

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 148 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 11, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.