 Incoming vessels were checked by tugs based alongside the old HMS "Champion", moored in midriver, and if any vessel was deemed suspect or refused to stop, the fort was authorised to fire across its bows.The fort's armament was reduced during the war as other forts and batteries took over some of its duties.Two of the six-inch guns were shipped across the river to Cliffe Fort in 1914 and the QF guns on the roof were withdrawn.