SOMERSET AND THE DEFENCE OF THE BRISTOL CHANNEL IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR by David Dawson, David Hunt and Chris Webster
With the outbreak of the Second World War, it became increasingly obvious that Somerset was in a key location to ensure the forward and coastal defence of the Bristol Channel and its associated ports and industries. This book gives a unique overview of the naval and maritime activities on the waterway and explains their significance to the national war effort.
Somerset’s contribution to the Bristol Channel defences are explained in depth bringing the interpretation of archaeological evidence together other documentation and the wealth of records in the National Archives. Not only are the anti-invasion defences, like the pillboxes and barbed wire on the beaches or coast artillery are discussed but also the activities like the denial measures and saboteurs and spy systems that were set up in case the Germans managed to occupy coastal areas. The threat from the air is covered in some detail and includes RAF Fighter Command activities, radars, searchlights, anti-aircraft guns and rockets together with the secret electronic warfare activities including radio counter measures against Luftwaffe bombers, bombing decoys and camouflage. The numerous other wartime military activities along the coastline are also discussed.
In this volume, the three authors, all members of the Society, have for the first time brought together not only the archaeological interpretations of the surviving infrastructure but have blended it with the documentary evidence of the perceived threats, the organisations, plans and procedures that were implemented, many of which were secret, and added both technical and military expertise to explain in simple terms with pictures, maps, diagrams and glossary just how much Somerset contributed to defending the Bristol Channel in the Second World War.
112 pages, 64 maps, diagrammes and illustrations, many in colour. Fully indexed with a comprehensive glossary of terms. A4 format.
ISBN-10: 0 902152 23 8; ISBN-13 978 0 902152 23 6
Price: £14.95 + £5.00 p&p
Purchase on-line from www.sanhs.org
Or from Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society, Somerset Heritage Centre, Brunel Way, Taunton, TA2 6SF Tel 01823 272429
October 2011
Super book - anyone interested in Somerset during World War Two should get a copy for their collection.
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WORLD WAR by David Dawson, David Hunt and Chris Webster
For a summary of the book refer to: http://www.sanhs.org/Documents/SDBCflyer.pdf
Using a mixture of historical, archaeological and other source material, the authors have done an excellent job in bringing together under the one volume, a comprehensive history of the World War 2 defences around Somerset and the Bristol Channel.
The depth of research and the authors’ expertise and appreciation of the overall defence structure clearly shows through. I was particularly impressed with the careful analysis of the various parts of the WW2 defence network as this allows the reader to get a clear picture of how the land, sea and air defences operated and the challenges facing each.
The major components of the defence network are studied in detail with chapters addressing naval activities, anti-invasion defences, coast artillery, air defence and a host of other military uses of the Somerset coast. Each chapter contains numerous examples of surviving defences sites such as the Taunton Stop Line and a discussion on their use and value.
I am involved in a similar study of WW2 defences and this book has provided a very hand comparison with the Victorian (Australia) defence network.
The book is well written in a clear, informative style; it is supported by numerous contemporary and modern day photos and maps, along with plenty of data.
Overall, it is a terrific book which fills an important gap in our understanding of a key part of Britain’s WW 2 defences.
Dr Bob Marmion
BA Hons DipEd MA PhD
3 May 2012 04:38