Information Category | 24-12-07 06:16 GMT | Posted by Ian Chicken

Georgetown
Fort Bedford and HMS Hood

Right is of Georgetown taken from Fort Bedford in 1966.

This was built between 1903 and 1906 and was the last of the three to be built on the island, the others being Fort Thornton and Fort Hayes. They were all taken out of use after WWI and the 6 inch guns removed.

Fort Bedford was re-armed During WWII, HMS Hood was having a refit and her guns were removed and brought to Ascension (these can be seen in the picture.).

They were kept active until 1953; after seeing a little use against the U-Boat U-124. The guns have since been renovated and repainted. (see Restoration Project)

 For more information on HMS Hood and the guns, see links page.

Fort Thornton and Fort Hayes

Thornton came about when defences were needed to prevent the French from rescuing Napolean from St Helena. Once the Garrison was ashore a couple of cannons were put up on the area soon to become Fort Thornton. It was renamed afterwards to Fort Cockburn. Following the Death of Napoleon this was dismantled.
Following Lt Brandreths visit to the island in 1830 reconstruction of the fort was started, this construction continued for quite a while and eventually housed 35 soldiers.
In 1913 various defensive guns were added and some of the functions removed and as such reducing the manning levels needed for it.

Hayes was built around the 1860's on the original site of a Battery. WWI saw it fitted out and manned for use, it contained 4.7 and 6 inch guns and also was the Magazine reserve.