PillBlogs: Cuckmere Haven defences
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Pillboxopedia is a jargon-busting tool of terms relating to UK anti-invasion defences of World War Two.
Cubes
Anti-tanks blocks, popularly known as dragon's teeth. Not to be confused with smaller blocks known as pimples, cubes can be upwards of 1m square. Many examples in Sussex have apexes or chamfered edges, leading to them being incorrectly recorded as coffins.
Defence scheme
A military plan of defence for a specified area. Defence Schemes were issued at numerous levels. Defence Schemes were later known as 'Plans to Defeat Invasion' on the orders of General Montgomery.
Pillboxopedia is Copyright © 2008 Peter Hibbs. The text and images must not be used to create derivative works.
Posted: 04 October 2006 at 23:12
On 10 September I rode out to Cuckmere Haven again to take another look at the western side of the river.
After a precarious walk along the concrete sea wall, I found the remains of some anti-tank cubes amongst the rocks and other debris at the base of the cliff; one can be seen lying on its side in the centre of the photograph.
I then went up on the cliffs above this point where I could fully appreciate the landscape from a military point of view.
The photo above shows the importance of the Haven; a flat, wide gap in the chalk cliffs that made it an ideal landing place. The 45 Division Defence Scheme notes that the beach was "Very good at all states of tide" for barges of up to 10 feet draught, while for "craft likely to be used for carrying tanks", it was "suitable", with destroyers able to close to about ¾ mile.
Pretty good for those wanting stunning scenery too...
- Pete
Response posted by < N/A > on 24 October 2006 at 14:58
very good but I need to know why the coast guard cottages where put there
Response posted by < Pete > on 24 October 2006 at 23:26
Not being an expert on the coast guard, I can only assume that the cottages were built in the time when their purpose was to guard against smuggling rather than save lives at sea.
If anyone can provide a definitive answer, please post a response!
- Pete
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Hibbs, Peter PillBlogs: Cuckmere Haven defences (2010) Available at: http://www.pillbox.org.uk/pillblogs/detail.asp?ID=78 Accessed: 05 September 2010
The information on this website is intended solely to describe the ongoing research activity of The Defence of East Sussex Project; it is not comprehensive or properly presented. It is therefore NOT suitable as a basis for producing derivative works or surveys!