This text is a detailed summary of the story of Roy Bates, who created the micro-nation of Sealand on an abandoned fort in the North Sea. Bates, a former major in the British Army, initially got involved in pirate radio broadcasting on a different fort. Eventually, he moved to Roughs Tower, where he established Sealand. Over the years, various individuals, including Alexander Achenbach, attempted to take control of Sealand, leading to conflicts and even the capture of Bates's son, Michael. The story also highlights the complex legal and diplomatic challenges facing micro-nations like Sealand.
1. The text is a narrative about the creation of a small, artificial country named Sealand by a former British army officer named Roj Bates. The country was created on a platform in the North Sea, which was once a military fort abandoned after World War II .
2. Roj Bates, born in 1921 in London, had a quiet childhood but was adventurous by nature. He joined the British army during World War II and quickly rose through the ranks due to his love for fighting .
3. After the war, Bates used his business acumen to start multiple flourishing businesses, including fishing, in the coastal zone of Essex .
4. In the 1960s, Bates decided to establish his own pirate radio station, which was a direct challenge to the BBC's monopoly on radio waves in the UK. He chose a deserted fort close to the English coast as the location for his station .
5. Over time, Bates' radio station attracted a significant number of listeners, and he started earning money from advertisements. However, the British government did not appreciate this and tried to shut down the pirate radio .
6. Bates was charged with illegal broadcasting and was summoned to court. However, he managed to negotiate his way out and continued to run his radio station .
7. In 1967, Bates proclaimed himself the Prince of Sealand, a micro-nation located on the platform. He issued his own passport, flag, and even his own currency .
8. Over the years, Sealand continued to operate, despite legal challenges from the UK government. It was home to various businesses, including a casino, and even served as a haven for individuals seeking asylum .
9. As of 2021, the Bates family continues to run Sealand, and Michael Bates is now the Prince of Sealand. However, he does not live full-time on the platform .
10. Today, Sealand is a tourist attraction, and its story has become a subject of fascination and intrigue .