Childhood at Grain
After WW2 my father was posted to the firing range at Yantlet , Grain. When he left the army he was a caretaker at Grain Fort before working at the new oil refinery. My brother and I spent our pre teen years at Grain. It was a wonderful place for kids - forts, watch towers, the beach, ships on the Thames and Medway, the window shattering boom of the big guns firing at Yantlet, the marshes, strawberry picking. In 1956 we migrated to Australia.
It is sad to see so little of Grain's history preserved. The large WW1 naval air station has disappeared without a trace and no recorded history. The historic fort has been demolished and covered, lost for future generations.
Does anyone have photos of these significant military establishments? A museum of the air station, forts, firing range and oil refinery would be a worthy addition to the village.
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RE: RE: Childhood at Grain
The Bridge, Ref 155002,
Could someone let me know whereabouts on the Isle of Grain it is situated please. I lived there from 1952 'til 1970. I cannot recall seeing the bridge anywhere on the Hoo Peninsular. Please let me know, just to re-assure me that the grey matter still works.
Thanks
Jim
Comment from Jim Keevil on Friday, 23rd January 2009.
RE: RE: Childhood at Grain
Jim,
I lived there from 1947 to 1956 and I never saw a bridge like that.
Peter
Comment from Peter Peploe on Monday, 26th January 2009.
RE: RE: Childhood at Grain
I lived there from 1958 till the late 1960s. I don't remember a bridge there either, Jim. I think it must have been where the road crosses the saltings just outside where the refinery used to be. Certainly before my time. How are you keeping, Jim?
Comment from Doug Green on Wednesday, 3rd February 2010.
RE: RE: Childhood at Grain
Hello Doug...........
Must admit I'm struggling to remember what you looked like. I remember your sister Hazel, much, much prettier than you ! I was in touch with Hazel a while back, If I remember correctly she said you were in Vancouver ? That's a long way from the I of G !. If you would like to reply please use :-
james@greenhill20.fsnet.co.uk
as I seldom return to this site, I'd like to hear from you and all about you adventures though life. I remember you joined the navy, Merchant, I think.
Hope to hear from you.
Jim
Comment from Jim Keevil on Sunday, 30th May 2010.