Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

An extensive area of Second World War barbed wire obstructions is visible on aerial photographs along the head of the beach within the Hythe Firing Ranges (Monument Number 1531850). The barbed wire forms part of the invasion defences along with minefields, which are enclosed by the barbed wire. The barbed wire also encloses possible gun emplacements forming defended localities. The barbed wire obstructions were subsequently removed after the war.

Monument Types

• BARBED WIRE OBSTRUCTION (Modern - 1939 AD to 1945 AD)
• GUN EMPLACEMENT (Modern - 1939 AD to 1945 AD)
• MINEFIELD (Modern - 1939 AD to 1945 AD)

Full description

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An extensive area of Second World War barbed wire obstructions, minefield and other anti invasion structures are visible on aerial photographs along the head of the beach within the Hythe Firing Ranges (Monument Number 1531850) have been mapped as part of the South East Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment NMP. The barbed wire forms part of the invasion defences along this coastline. The barbed wire obstructions extend from TR 1301 3226 to TR 1397 3307 and surround a minefield, which extends from TR 1364 3296 to TR 1379 3285, although this is likely to be more extensive than is visible on the aerial photographs. Circular pits on aerial photographs taken in 1946 define the part of the minefield, which is visible. The rows of circular pits suggest that the buried mines have been or are in the process of being removed. The linear lines of barbed wire obstructions also enclose possible gun emplacements forming defended localities. These are centred at TR 1332 3253 and TR 1356 3279; the former is also marked on the 3rd edition Ordnance Survey Map (1907) suggesting its reuse as a gun emplacement. This structure though ruined is still visible on recent aerial photographs taken in 2007. The latter may also be a reused firing range structure, which has subsequently been demolished after the war. The barbed wire obstructions were also removed after the war. (1-4)

<1> RAF, 1946, NMR RAF/106G/UK/1112 3098-3099 12-JAN-1946 (Photograph). SWX23802.

<2> Vertical aerial photograph reference number (Unspecified Type). SWX23851.

<4> Vertical aerial photograph reference number (Unspecified Type). SWX23731.

Sources and further reading

Related records