New Romney/Dymchurch coastal battery located at TR 091 273. This was an emergency battery built during the Second World War as part of Eastern Command's coastal defences. It was constructed in 1940 and mounted two 6-inch guns. It is referenced as being manned by 358 Coast Battery Royal Artillery in 1940. (1) Aerial photography from 1977 shows that the site is occupied by housing and open spaces, and no features of the battery remain. (2) St Mary's Bay battery (located at TR 0905 2725) was built close to New Romney battery. St Mary's Bay battery is referenced in use from 1942 and may have been a replacement for New Romney battery, which is only referenced as being in use during 1940. (3) This area was surveyed as part of the South East RCZAS NMP project; and structures which are thought to have comprised a coastal battery were recorded as the later St Marys Bay battery (Monument Number 1485888) as they were visible on vertical aerial photographs of 1942. Structures which may have formed part of the earlier coastal battery were not identifiable on the historic aerial photographs (4).

<1> Dobinson, C., 2000, Twentieth century fortifications in England. Volume 6.2. Coast Artillery, 1900-1956, 6.2 pp 304,307 (Monograph). SWX23711.

<2> ?, Twentieth century military recording project: World War Two Coastal Batteries, pp 89 (Unspecified Type). SWX23712.

<4> RCHME/EH Aerial Photographers Comment (Unspecified Type). SWX23677.