[2] The twin concrete supporting towers were divided into seven floors, four for crew quarters;[2] the remainder provided dining, operational, and storage areas, e.g., for several generators, and for fresh water tanks and antiaircraft munitions.

[2] The fort was towed from the degaussing station at Tilbury docks by four tugs—"Dapper", "Crested Cock", "King Lear" and "Lady Brassey".

[3]: 76  Its location on Rough Sands, approximately 10 miles off the Harwich seafront,[2] was at the time situated in international waters although the superstructure of the vessel above the waterline remained visible from the coast of England.

[citation needed] Approximately 100 men were assigned to the barge before deployment on Rough Sands; thereafter, the fort was occupied by 150–300 Royal Navy personnel, which continued throughout World War II.

[citation needed] British government official entities used Roughs Tower for a variety of purposes until 1956 when all full-time personnel were finally removed.

Bates took this as de facto recognition of his country and seven years later issued a constitution, flag, and national anthem, among other things, for the Principality of Sealand (founded on 2 September 1967).