The 'RICHARD MONTGOMERY' was built in just 19 weeks at the Jacksonville, Florida yard of the St John's River Shipbuilding Company. Her keel was laid down on the 15th of March 1943 and she was delivered on loan to AGWI Lines on the 29th of July 1943. She was an early 'Liberty' ship and one of 82 from this Yard. As her keel was laid the first ship from this yard was being delivered. In all nearly 3000 were built at various yards with the fastest build, reportedly, being laid down and delivered in five days! There are still a couple afloat and in good working order in America.

In August 1944, in the wake of the Normandy Invasion, she arrived in the Thames Estuary from America laden with stores and explosives for US forces. In the crowded estuary she was, with difficulty, found an anchorage in the Great Nore some 2.5 miles NE of Garrison Point, Sheerness. At this point she was just another allied ship full of war materials but a gale of wind was about to change that and bring her a notoriety that continues to this day. Just a year old she dragged her anchor, grounded and broke her back just a mile and a half off Sheerness. (Pic Liberty Ship type) 

As can be imagined conditions were not good and the stevedores that were set-to salvaging cargo soon demanded danger money. That, in itself, was not unexpected but what was contested was the amount they demanded. The records show them working from 0800 to 1900 at the following rates of pay: -
Working in water 10/= (fifty pence) per hour; Working in oil £1 per hour but for working the same hours on Sunday they wanted £16.
In London Docks in 1944 £82 per week was a kings ransom but despite official protest at paying workers the equivalent of more than £4000 per annum it was soon realised that if they wanted the cargo out that was the price they would have to pay. They did!

Through the latter part of August into September they cleared the stern half of the ship emptying No's 3 & 4 holds before a halt was called when it became clear it was too dangerous to continue the discharge. Rumours about what might happen if the bombs were disturbed abounded and without anyone being specific the conclusion was they should be left alone.

Since 1944 rumours have continued to circulate in various forms but most suggest there could be a devastating explosion. The records suggest Sheerness could be demolished, windows in Southend on Sea and elsewhere across the Thames Estuary would be shattered and London as well as most of Kent would be aware of the explosion. There is even mention of a tidal wave

People, including politicians, servicemen and local residents have continued to ask questions from time to time and at the start of the 21st century a persuasive argument still exists for leaving well alone. It seems 60 years of immersion will not have made the ship's contents any less dangerous!

So, in the holds of the 'RICHARD MONTGOMERY', about one and a half miles off Sheerness, there remains some 6 to 7,000 (US) Tons (1 US Ton = 0.907 Tonnes) of fused aerial fragmentation bombs.

The stories we heard were true then! Let's hope the ship continues to R.I.P as it deteriorates..