Features and Review

Brixham Battery 'took over' Dartmouth

Castle' on Bank Holiday Monday and the following day Tuesday August 30th in the Castle's 'Step Back In Time' event. The time was 1940 Britain's 'Darkest Hour' as stated by Winston Churchill (aka Dave Clarke seen in the photos inspecting the 'troops').

Dartmouth Castle was an 'Emergency Coastal Defence Battery' one of the 116 quickly established in 1940 to defend our island against expected Nazi invasion from occupied France. Of the 116 built only 7 remain with Brixham and Dartmouth accounting for 2 of the 7!

Hundreds of visitors packed the castle to watch 'living history' in action as Home Guardsman defended the Castle and Dart Estuary against attacking enemy aircraft simulated by sound effects, real air raid siren and blank firing weapons.

To add to the atmosphere Air Raid Wardens tackled 'incendiary' bombs dropped by the enemy during the raid.

The 2 days were enjoyed by all and the Battery Group would like thank English Heritage, the staff at Dartmouth Castle and all visitors and members who supported the event.

Phil Trayhorn
www.brixhambattery.org