Index

1. introduction
2. Royal Naval Patrol Service
3. Local Naval History
4. Militaria
5. The First World War  (current page)

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 17^th and 18^th 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.

Add a Comment