War and Defences
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Listen to Nick Reed of Isle of Purbeck Sub-Aqua Club, talk about Studland’s dramatic history and try to find some remnants of World War II defences. Music and Sound by Laura Reid 2021.
During the early parts of World War II, when England was still concerned about the threat of invasion by sea, Studland Bay was reinforced with a variety of defences. Fort Henry is the most significant of these, a large concrete structure which would house infantry and artillery. At various points along the beach, pillboxes were also erected, the remains of one you can see here. 'Dragon's teeth' were also designed as tank traps, to force tanks upwards, exposing the fuel tanks beneath to shots.
Finally, there was a new type of defence trialled here. This involved pumping oil out into the ocean through pipes, which was then set on fire throughout the bay. There is a quote from a local at the time, explaining that the flames were so fierce 'you could read a newspaper in Bournemouth town square.' You can still to this day see the dragon’s teeth and oil pipes at middle beach.
Photo by Ambrose Seddon. Music and sound by Laura Reid 2021.
