MEDWAY MILITARY RESEARCH GROUP

The Medway Military Research Group was originally formed in 1975 by a number of committed enthusiasts. The Group was dedicated to researching and publication of all aspects of the military history of the Medway Towns and further afield, but in particular the many fixed fortifications and gun batteries of the southeast.

The MMRG was seen as the forerunner of Defence Archaeology and set a standard and reputation which is still acknowledged in many quarters today.  The largest project taken on by the MMRG was Fort Amherst in Chatham. 

Working initially with the Royal Engineers to uncover and survey the fortress, the MMRG joined forces with a local Councillor (Bill Fowler) and senior officers of the local authority to form the Fort Amherst & Lines Trust. Together they saved the Fort from development, and eventually purchased it from the MoD with support from the local authority.

Fort Amherst absorbed so much of the spare time of the members of the MMRG that very little other research work was carried out.  However recently some of the old members have decided to re-form the MMRG and continue the important work started many years ago.  This has urgency now in the post cold war era, with military sites facing destruction and development.

The final chapter in Medway's long and colourful history is required to be researched, written and published.  Interested individuals who wish to search the countryside for long abandoned pill boxes, or explore the coastline for gun batteries and mysterious concrete structures, should write to the MMRG c/o Fort Amherst, Chatham.