Defence of the Nation
Index
Introduction
As an island nation Britain has been defended by the East Anglian coast right from the 3rd century, when 'Saxon Shore' forts at places such as Brancaster in Norfolk and Walton Castle in Essex defended Romano-Britain from continental pirate invaders.
In the 17th and 18th centuries famous battles took place off the Suffolk coast and in the North Sea against the Dutch. Martello towers and forts were constructed along the Suffolk and Essex coasts to protect harbours and the coast from invasion during the Napoleonic period.
More recently, beaches were mined during the Second World War. Barbed wire, scaffolding and herring barrels filled with concrete obstructed the beaches and chains of pill boxes provided defensive lookouts.
Defence of the Nation
Local Naval History
Dutch Landings
Invasion of Felixstowe to capture Languard Fort
Felixstowe Experimental Seaplane Base.
Experimental proving ground for all types of seaplanes. Sited on the current Languard container terminal at Felixstowe Port.
HMS Beehive
World war 11 small boats naval base at Felixstowe.
Harwich Naval Base
Force H based at Harwich WW11
Air Sea Rescue
Fast rescue boats based at Felixstowe Port during WW2 and after. Rescuing crew from ditched aircrasft latterly target towing for Languard Fort gun practice.
Theme: Defence of the Nation
Exhibition: A Taste of Felixstowe Museum
Four young sailors at Felixstowe
Scouts using the dressing up box at Felixstowe Museum in October 2008
