Mine Clearance

Summary

Much of the defensive work put in place during WW2 was removed fairly quickly during 1944 as the threat of invasion receded. There was, however many areas that proved difficult to clear.

Fairlight Glen

One of these was the minefield in and around Fairlight Glen. This was due to the officer (R.Y. Thorne) who knew where the mines were laid being killed in 1940 with the plans still in his possession.

The clearance was also covered in the Illustrated London News in an article, the text of which reads "This particular area was hurriedly laid with mines in 1940 and the officer in charge was blown up with the plan in his possession. In recent years mines have been found in this area and the authorities accordingly decided on a complete clearance of this very difficult and overgrown terrain. Drastic measures have been necessary, but four mines have already been found, and it is believed the ground will soon recover its beaut through natural regeneration."

Fairlight Beach

The beach below Fairlight Glen had also been mined - these being largely cleared by 1948, however many of these mines were buried by the impact of a Flying Bomb into the cliffs above leading to hopes that these would remain buried and not require clearance, however in 1953 some mines were uncovered due to erosion by the sea and these together with one found in the glen itself were subsequently blown up.

Images

• Images
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  The Sphere - Saturday 26 May 1956

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  Daily Herald - Thursday 17 May 1956