The fort we built for the British to arm

I WONDER if any of your readers would have information on Fort Shannon which was constructed a short distance from Tarbert, Co Kerry, during the Emergency years.

It was built by the corps of engineers with the assistance of an infantry company and a company from the construction corps.

Fort Shannon was unique because it was the first modern fort designed and constructed by Irishmen in their own country. It was a considerable undertaking with gun emplacements, fire control station, searchlight installations, engine rooms and electricity generating stations. Construction began in May 1942 and two six-inch naval guns were provided by the British who were equally anxious to protect the Shannon estuary and the flying boat facilities at Foynes and the land aerodrome on the Clare side of Rineanna.

The fort became operational in November 1942 and was fully manned until the end of World War II.

I am anxious to hear from anyone who was involved in the construction or manning of the fort, or indeed anyone who has any information on it. Photographs would be particularly useful.

Donal Óg MacCarron

4 The Chyne

Gerrards Cross

Bucks SL9 8HZ

England

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