Fan Bay Deep Shelter & Magazines, Dover. Jan '09

[DarkDog]

I have to say that Fan Bay is one of the more interesting underground tunnel complexes in the Dover area as it comprises lined & unlined sections, as well as having light & ventilation fittings still in place. Add to this a bit of original graffiti and an 'interesting' entrance & exit experience and it adds up to a great explore.

Fan Hole Battery was a WWII site originally comprising 3 x 6" guns with associated magazines, shelters, plotting room, administration and accommodation areas. Today only traces of the gun pits can be discerned among the undergrowth, and all surface buildings have been demolished. However there are still extensive underground remains at this site, the largest being the deep shelter, constructed in 1941 by No.172 Tunnelling Coy. Royal Engineers. This shelter, completed on the 28th August 1941, was designed to accommodate 4 officers and 185 other ranks, and was manned by the 203rd Coast Battery RA (commanded by Captain D H N Baker-Carr), part of the 540th Coast Regiment. (Source: JV.)

First up, No.1 Magazine, one of 3 identical magazines serving the guns

Each magazine comprises two shell stores
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/3153458584_e05ff562f9.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/3152624109_3576d7c983.jpg

The entrance tunnel
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3228/3152625107_ca0ea96e9e.jpg

And some light painting
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/3153461396_2ee40b9f0d.jpg

A few minutes later, with F*ck being the only word uttered! Looking back to the stairs
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/3152627679_afa73e7cc3.jpg

Tunnel F towards the first unlined section
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/3152628731_d78d978b2d.jpg

Tunnel E
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/3152630555_ae288150d9.jpg

Some light fittings are still in place, others just lie on the floor
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/3152631213_e9ed5e5016.jpg

End of Tunnel F
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3260/3152632411_3d0558567e.jpg

Tunnel F to the right, left heads to tunnels B & D
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/3152633513_023c4db08b.jpg

Looking back to the lower cliff secondary entrance
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/3152635049_aaff51cf1b.jpg

There's always a Nobby Clarke in the Army!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3257/3152636509_07bfb86e7e.jpg

Tunnel D
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/3152637239_0bb46a226a.jpg

Tunnel B going towards Tunnel A
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/3153474756_d828cf9986.jpg

From Tunnel A looking back down Tunnel B
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/3152640997_f9a38e77a4.jpg

Looking down Tunnel A to the other secondary entrance
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/3152643563_7f03c980cd.jpg

A well preserved light fitting, and a lot of condensation!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/3152644749_a4c902a344.jpg

The main fuse box
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/3152645581_74c4a44aed.jpg

The lower entrance stairs with ventilation ducting in place
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3042/3153481882_d62ca8189f.jpg

And looking back down the main tunnel
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/3152648111_f6d7efe851.jpg

A bit of rusty 'something' - doesn't matter what it is, it's rusty!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/3153485642_8b030c2b37.jpg

Contemplating the exit out!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/3152649395_a90a20d1a2.jpg

Thanks for taking the time to look

[tommo]

Fantastic looking place, so need to sort this Dover weekend out

[Oxygen Thief]

Well done for showing a picture of the 'only entrance', otherwise that's a great set of pics there.

[DarkDog]

Well done for showing a picture of the 'only entrance', otherwise that's a great set of pics there.

OT - I've shown the entrance picture in the safe knowledge that unless you've been shown exactly where it is, you'd never find it. And at this time of year it's virtually invisible - you'd have to be standing on top of it!
Thank you for your thinly veiled sarcasm, it wasn't needed but never mind, eh?

[Oxygen Thief]

OT - I've shown the entrance picture in the safe knowledge that unless you've been shown exactly where it is, you'd never find it. And at this time of year it's virtually invisible - you'd have to be standing on top of it!
Thank you for your thinly veiled sarcasm, it wasn't needed but never mind, eh?

Never say never. It's just not good etiquette really.

And I apologise for the sarcasm. It wasn't supposed to be thinly veiled.

Like I said though, a well lit, sharp set of pictures.

[DarkDog]

Need an icon for a wry smile here really OT. When you're down this way next give us a shout - the entrance & exit alone will put a smile on your face!

[Oxygen Thief]

Been there mate, a few times.

[rookinella]

Nice colourful photos :) I can NEVER remember where this place is...needle in haystack comes to mind.

[REEF]

Cool photo's, was down there the other week.

Didn't see the magazines would love to know where they are for next time ;)

[fortknox0]

good set of pics there. yer hating the cave spiders desertion, lol. Dont really notice them until you in and its too late by then!!

BE CAREFUL GOING IN WHEN ITS WET!! ITS PAINFULL!!!

[pauln]

Nice colourful photos :) I can NEVER remember where this place is...needle in haystack comes to mind.

I looked for it for about 20 mins and then found it by tripping over the entrance. Hate the cave spiders though.