Maritime record MWX4486 - Bombardon Unit, Portland Harbour

Remains of 1944 wreck of Allied [British or American] bombardon unit, which appears to have stranded on the inner face of the outer [southern] breakwater at Portland Harbour. Constructed of steel, these units were designed to be used in conjunction with the Mulberry Harbour units for the D-Day landings and subsequent Normandy invasion; a number of similar units have been reported in the vicinity of Portland.

Bombardon unit at 50 34.33N 002 24.91W, on the slope of the harbour wall inside the outer breakwater, in 11m depth, lying largely on the rocks, immediately north of the bend in the breakwater. Photograph illustrating transit marks given. (1) Part of a glass lamp, probably an oil lamp, recovered from a site, whose co-ordinates were derived direct from source (1). (Droit 027/06) (2) A gauge, apparently part of a ship's log, e.g. a Walker's log, recovered from a bombardon unit, co-ordinates of 50 34.33N 002 24.91W derived from source (1). (Droit 266/06) (2) Description of construction and function, as well as the context of loss, derived from similar records in the vicinity [see, for example SY 78 SE 65 to 67 inclusive]. (3) Described as an experimental wave-breaking unit built for the D-Day landings, visited in 2004, with an image showing the wreck site. Further site investigation was apparently recorded in the Wreckmap Portland 2005 report. (4) Informally described on the Wreckmap Portland 2005 dive as consisting of a core about 3m square, with four corner fins: i.e. an cross-shaped profile "with a square bit in the middle", and with fixings such as towing eyes, hatches, and bollards. (5)

Record last edited

Apr 4 2024 10:34AM