[1] The branch dock was too small for ships, and was used to site one of the Queensway Tunnel ventilation towers in 1934, along with a water pumping station in 1955.
Situated close to the dock and overlooking the river, the One O'Clock Gun provided a time signal to shipping on the Mersey.
[citation needed] Birkenhead docks, as well as the surrounding area, were heavily bombed by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War.
In May 2006, a 60-year-old, 500 kg (1,102 lb) bomb was discovered by the Royal Navy's Northern Diving Group and disposed of by the minesweeper HMS Atherstone.
[5] It was found embedded in mud in the river, near to the former entrance to Morpeth Dock and may have been disturbed during dredging work at the Twelve Quays ferry terminal.