Numerous Second World War barbed wire obstructions are visible at Dumpton Bay and have been mapped from aerial photographs taken in May 1942 [1]. By April 1946 these features have been removed [2].

The barbed wire is mainly situated around the entrance onto Dumpton Bay beach and would have made access on land harder.

A pillbox is also present close to the barbed wire, at 639399E, 166499N. More information regarding this structure can be found at MKE39685.

A transcription of the features recorded from aerial photography exists within a GIS layer held by this HER [3].

Extensive Second World War barbed wire obstructions inland of Dumpton Gap centred at TR 3944 6660 and extending southwards parallel to the coast which is visible on wartime aerial photographs and mapped as part of the Historic England: Ramsgate HAZ project from RAF aerial photographs taken in May1942. The barbed wire was laid in a double line in a large V formation mirroring the inlet of Dumpton Gap with the point converging on Dumpton Gap Road. A single line of barbed wire continued south-west 250m following the line of a path which runs west of Laleham Gap School and east of Boughton Avenue and crossing Seacroft Avenue. A third layer of barbed wire was plced seaward of the double line, also extending around the approach from the sea from Dumpton Gap with further double depth entanglements between South Cliff Parade and the shore on the southern side of the gap. All traces were removed immediately after the war. (4)

RAF, 1942, RAF/HLA/347/3 10 30-MAY-1942 (Photograph). SKE58490.

<3> Wessex Archaeology, 2009-10, South-East Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey - Aerial Photographic Transcriptions (Digital archive). SWX15705.

<3> Wessex Archaeology, 2011, South East Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey - (SE RCZAS) Phase 1: National Mapping Programme Report (Unpublished document). SKE25955.

<3> Cornwall Council Historic Environment Projects and Gloucestershire County Council, 2011, South East Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey National Mapping Programme Components 1&2: Results of NMP Mapping (Unpublished document). SKE25954.