This was an amazing description of the times and effort along with some failings that I never really knew about. I have lived in Plymouth all my life and enjoyed this documentary very much, so thank you. I also completed my apprenticeship in Devonport Naval base and spent the larger part of my life at sea as an engineer in the Merchant Navy, often visiting Plymouth to supply oil to Turnchapel via underground pipes from Coxside, for the S.W. Gas SNG production plants at Oreston. My enjoyment every time I sailed into Plymouth was overwhelming and in those days, the Chief Engineer would give you the port off (two to three days) whilst discharging was underway so as one could go ashore and spend time with their family. I doubt that happens these days. Thank you once again for this wonderful understanding about a structure that Plymothians basically take for granted.
this is brilliant! thank you Peter. I moved to Crownhill Plymouth at 11 years old in 1969, leaving in the late 70's... and sailed all over the sound from the mayflower sailing club for most of those years. Amazing documentary. I've learned so much! Nostalgic, and my forebears ancestry too. Cheers!
Wonderful, and so informative. When I was a child in the 1950's, looking out from Plymouth Hoe, I used to think the breakwater in the distance was a huge submarine!
Stayed at Fort Picklecombe which is shown briefly, fantastic for viewing this breakwater. It also allows great views of the Navy in training. My binoculars were good enough to get a reasonably good view of Eddystone lighthouse.
Back in the 80's I was young deckhand on a tug that was involved towing the blocks out to the breakwater with Toney Soper (bird watcher) did a bit about it for TV.
I lived at bovisand cottage for 6 months in the early 60s .As children we used to play in Bovisand Fort.We where told there is a tunnel between the fort and the breakwater.Is this so?.
