Work to take down the exposed masts of the World War Two Liberty ship SS Richard Montgomery is due to begin in September, but the long-term location of the salvaged structures remains undecided.
MP seeks a local home for a piece of maritime history
David Burton-Sampson, Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, said he was pressing to keep at least one of the masts within Essex. He described the structures as part of the area's cultural heritage and argued they should remain accessible to local people.
"a big part of the culture and we want to make sure one stays in Essex"
The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that a final decision on where the masts will be preserved has not yet been reached. Current plans envisage the removed sections being taken to the Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent, which has the conservation and restoration facilities required for such work.
Why the masts are being removed
The SS Richard Montgomery has sat on the Nore sandbank off Sheerness since it ran aground in August 1944. It still contains a large quantity of wartime ordnance, and experts previously warned that the visible masts must be removed before any part of the vessel collapses and risks disturbing the cargo below.
Central government ministers have also acknowledged the local interest in the wreck. Keir Mather, the aviation, maritime and decarbonisation minister, said it mattered that communities could reflect on the area's wartime contribution.
"it was important for local people to be able to reflect on the contribution the area made to the UK's war effort"
What will happen and where the masts might go
Officials say removal operations will begin in September, with the visible masts transported to facilities capable of stabilising and conserving them. At present, Chatham is identified as the likely initial destination because of its restoration capacity, but ministers and local representatives continue discussions about a permanent housing location.
- Start of removal work: September (scheduled)
- Immediate destination: Historic Dockyard Chatham (restoration facilities)
- Local campaign: Southend West and Leigh MP pushing for one mast to remain in Essex
The matter raises competing priorities: ensuring public safety and preserving fragile heritage, while also answering calls from communities who want tangible reminders of local history to remain nearby.
Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel | SS Richard Montgomery |
| Run aground | August 1944 |
| Explosive cargo | 1,400 tonnes (on board) |
| Visible feature | Masts visible from Kent and Essex |
| Removal scheduled | From September |
The next steps will be closely watched by residents and heritage groups across Southend-on-Sea and neighbouring Kent, as conversations continue over where a piece of the wreck should ultimately be displayed.
