Surviving battering storms and challenges to Sealand's sovereignty in international waters since 1966, an intriguing legend tells of how one family repelled the clutches of a powerful neighbouring empire.
When it comes to David and Goliath stories, the tug of war between the tiny micronation of Sealand and Great Britain is tough to beat.
After former British army major Roy Bates planted his flag on an old World War II sea fort nearly six decades ago, which he then established as Sealand, the English never managed to get him off, no matter how hard they tried. in World War II, around 150 Royal Navy personnel occupied the fort throughout the war to help defend vital shipping lanes.The self-styled 'Principality of Sealand' was founded on a metal platform the size of 2-3 tennis courts, perched on top of two concrete legs rising 20 metres above the sea.
Pirate stations were on the rise, and the UK government wasn't happy about it. Tough new legislation was drafted and officials sought to shut down stations like Radio Essex.From left are Michael, Joan, Penny and Roy Bates, the British family who set up their own mini-nation in the North Sea The details of the night have varied a little over the years, but the way Michael Bates tells it to 9news.com.au from his home in Essex, the action took place on a "freezing cold" Christmas Eve in 1966.
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