Site co-owner Martin Button with Police Cadets behind


Words and pictures by Ray Duff
On Saturday the World War two gun emplacement site at Capel was open to visitors to visit the still under excavation area.


Covering some 13 square acres, the site originally contained three single eight inch guns covering the south eastern part of the Channel between Dover and Folkestone during the war. 

Left- The info board by the BoB memorial site and right the 4.3.2. gun access Photos: Ray Duff

The guns are said to have come from a damaged frigate.  Two of the gun emplacements are landscaped into part of the next door Battle of Britain Memorial site with just the number one gun site currently being gradually exposed ahead of a hoped for future restoration.

The No.1 gun emplacement turret and pit Photo: Ray Duff


Other parts of the site, which have been slowly worked on for the last ten years by owner Martin Button and his father. These contain what was originally a vast connected military base with parade ground, ablutions and shower buildings and underground plotting rooms plus a hospital amongst much else.

The underground areas are not yet accessible as they are still full of rubble.

The blocked up entrance to the underground hospital Photo: Ray Duff


Currently the number one gun emplacement is undergoing excavation to clear the back-filled rubble and on the day some young police cadets were helping with this.  

The area is also now a quite rich and varied one for wildlife which at this time of year is very colourful.

Remains of the soldiers shower block Photo: Ray Duff


It is hoped that in future further work to clear and prepare the whole site, albeit bit by bit, will enable it to become a proper visitor attraction alongside the Battle of Britain memorial next door.


The next Open Day for visitors is due on Saturday 14th August with access through the gates of the BoB Memorial site at right. People should proceed with care.


For further information and/or to get involved see: http://www.capelbattery.com/
and Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1257186841100378/?ref=pages_profile_groups_tab&source_id=116734831787817

By Ed

©2024 Hawkinge Gazette       -       The Hawkinge Gazette is not responsible for the content of external sites