It feels like I haven't posted a report in a while, so here's a little site that I visited the other day. I've been wanting to have a look for a long time now, but just haven't had a strong inclination to go over to Sheppey... Anyway, I plodded over there and made sure to listen carefully for any banjos during my visit 
The pictures aren't too bad considering I'd been up since 0600 and walked 7 miles operating on a handful of cocktail sausages and 2 cups of coffee and didn't bring any water with me (MAJOR STUPID)!
XDO stands for naval Extended Defence Officer. The pillbox would have been the control room for a remotely blown minefield that would have protected the river in the event of an invasion. The pillbox features a prominent observation tower and two slits in the corner of the lower level. This one actually seems to be relatively small when compared with others elsewhere in the UK. Still though, they're quite unusual to see and not many remain.
So here she is:
XDO Post by slimjim_90, on Flickr
Ironwork for shuttering remains.
DSC02640 by slimjim_90, on Flickr
There's actually a reasonably tasteful bit of graffiti on the front in the form of a mural. Beats the hell out of all the crap you normally see everywhere.
DSC02667 by slimjim_90, on Flickr
Entrance at the side.
Having a Doss by slimjim_90, on Flickr
Room to the right of the entrance, just as you go in. It is filled with marine junk.
XDO Back Room by slimjim_90, on Flickr
The large observation room inside, looking back towards the entrance.
Starchy New Trews! by slimjim_90, on Flickr
Inside the observation tower. The wooden planks affixed to the walls are rests for the XD Officer's ladder.
Observation Tower with Ladder Rests by slimjim_90, on Flickr
In the observation room again, looking the other way towards the slits and with the OP tower above.
DSC02650 by slimjim_90, on Flickr
To end, not a huge one, I know - but unique and a cool little local explore.
Another little building in the area worth mentioning is this little air raid shelter. Main entrance at the front, with the emergency exit at the top left.
Small Air Raid Shelter by slimjim_90, on Flickr
Inside is a small room, probably suitable for about 8-12 people at a squash, with an iron rung escape ladder built into the wall.
Inside AR Shelter by slimjim_90, on Flickr
Next to the main entrance opening is a recess (dark area on the left) for a toilet.
DSC02613 by slimjim_90, on Flickr
There are also a few wrecks out in the mud.
Medway Mud Wreck by slimjim_90, on Flickr
Thanks for looking,
SJ.
The pictures aren't too bad considering I'd been up since 0600 and walked 7 miles operating on a handful of cocktail sausages and 2 cups of coffee and didn't bring any water with me (MAJOR STUPID)!XDO stands for naval Extended Defence Officer. The pillbox would have been the control room for a remotely blown minefield that would have protected the river in the event of an invasion. The pillbox features a prominent observation tower and two slits in the corner of the lower level. This one actually seems to be relatively small when compared with others elsewhere in the UK. Still though, they're quite unusual to see and not many remain.
So here she is:
XDO Post by slimjim_90, on FlickrIronwork for shuttering remains.
DSC02640 by slimjim_90, on FlickrThere's actually a reasonably tasteful bit of graffiti on the front in the form of a mural. Beats the hell out of all the crap you normally see everywhere.
DSC02667 by slimjim_90, on FlickrEntrance at the side.
Having a Doss by slimjim_90, on FlickrRoom to the right of the entrance, just as you go in. It is filled with marine junk.
XDO Back Room by slimjim_90, on FlickrThe large observation room inside, looking back towards the entrance.
Starchy New Trews! by slimjim_90, on FlickrInside the observation tower. The wooden planks affixed to the walls are rests for the XD Officer's ladder.
Observation Tower with Ladder Rests by slimjim_90, on FlickrIn the observation room again, looking the other way towards the slits and with the OP tower above.
DSC02650 by slimjim_90, on FlickrTo end, not a huge one, I know - but unique and a cool little local explore.
Another little building in the area worth mentioning is this little air raid shelter. Main entrance at the front, with the emergency exit at the top left.
Small Air Raid Shelter by slimjim_90, on FlickrInside is a small room, probably suitable for about 8-12 people at a squash, with an iron rung escape ladder built into the wall.
Inside AR Shelter by slimjim_90, on FlickrNext to the main entrance opening is a recess (dark area on the left) for a toilet.
DSC02613 by slimjim_90, on FlickrThere are also a few wrecks out in the mud.
Medway Mud Wreck by slimjim_90, on FlickrThanks for looking,
SJ.
