The Thames forts - October 2026

P.S Waverley News 2 October 2026

The Pirate Radio Hall of Fame has been on trips round the Thames forts before (see here and here) but on neither occasion did the itinerary include Knock John, the home of Radio Essex so, when we saw that the historic paddle steamer Waverley was planning to visit all three of the surviving forts which were used for offshore radio, we couldn't resist it. The trip was on on 2nd October 2026. (Sunk Head, the fort used by Tower Radio, was demolished in 1967 - see cutting.)
 
It was a good decision. Not only did it turn out to be a beautifully calm sunny day but it was also the ship's 80th birthday. The Waverley was launched in Glasgow on 2nd October 1946. Click on the P.S. Waverley News, right, for more information on the history.

Knock John - the former home of Radio Essex and BBMS.


Knock John
 
Knock John from one side.
 
Knock John
 
Knock John from the other side.
 
Guy Hamilton and Knock John
 
Former Radio Essex DJ Guy Hamilton on the Waverley with his old home in the background.

 

Shivering Sands - the former home of Radio Sutch and Radio City.


Shivering Sands
 
Shivering Sands
 
Shivering Sands
 
Shivering Sands
 
Shivering Sands

Photos of Red Sands Fort are over the page.


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