Monument MPM1983 - Wireless Telegraphy Station, Horsea Island

The Admiralty's first high-powered Wireless Telegraphy Station was built towards the western end of Horsea Island in 1909. The station had four aerial 'Marconi' masts surrounded by spreader masts which occupied an area 300ft square. A new station was constructed about halfway along the island c1912. The masts were demolished c1930s and the building appears to have been demolished post 1952.

The Admiralty's first high-powered wireless telegraphy station was built on Horsea Island in 1909. The station was originally located towards the western end of the island on the north side of the torpedo testing range. The station had four 150ft tall wooden aerial 'Marconi' masts in 8ft tabernacles held by wire stays and surrounded by eight 60ft spreader masts. The masts occupied an area 300ft square. Existing buildings at the testing range, including a mess-room block, were altered to house wireless equipment and staff. The station was used to conduct experimentation and training together with routine wireless work. Due to advances in wireless technology around 1912 a new station was constructed on the north side of the range about half way along the island.

The station building appears to still be marked on the 1952 Ordnance Survey map and was demolished at some point after this date. The Marconi masts were demolished c1930s.

Ordnance Survey, 1952, Ordnance Survey Map 1952 (Map). SPM67.

Ripley, Basil, 1982, Horsea Island and The Royal Naval (Bibliographic reference). SPM410.

Maritime Archaeology Trust, 2018, Forgotten Wrecks of the First World War: First World War Wireless Stations of the South Coast of England (Bibliographic reference). SPM582.