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Historic WWII sites given protection

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To mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, six Second World War concrete structures built as replica landing craft for training, nine sunken army tanks, two armoured bulldozers and components of Mulberry floating harbours in Dorset, Devon and West Sussex are being granted protection by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.

D-Day on 6 June 1944, codenamed Operation Overlord, was the greatest combined land, air and naval operation in history. It was a massive assault by the allies to invade Nazi-occupied Western Europe during the Second World War. 156,000 soldiers from Britain, America, Canada and France landed on the beaches of Normandy together with thousands of vehicles and supplies.

The many rehearsals and training exercises carried out along the coastline of Devon and Dorset together with the great engineering achievements of the Mulberry Harbours contributed to the success of the D-Day landings.

Images from Tanks & Bulldozers project July 2008 by Southsea Sub Aqua Club

Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright said: “As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day, it is right that we continue to honour the memory of those who fought for peace in one of the decisive moments of the Second World War. It is also right to recognise the engineering and ingenuity that enabled that offensive. By listing the landing crafts, tanks, bulldozers and floating harbours we can ensure that future generations can learn about this important moment in our history.”

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said: “Evidence of D-Day planning, rehearsal and the actual operation is all around us, on our coastline and in our waters helping to tell the D-Day Story. These tanks, armoured bulldozers, Mulberry Harbour components and concrete training landing craft are important as a witness to the great engineering achievements and logistical preparations around England’s coast for the largest amphibious invasion ever undertaken, on 6 June 1944. It is vital that we protect them as a memorial for future generations.”

VALENTINE TANK ASSEMBLAGE, STUDLAND BEACH, POOLE BAY, DORSET

(SCHEDULED MONUMENT)

Six weeks before D-Day in April 1944, troops arrived at Studland Beach in Dorset to rehearse an assault codenamed ‘Exercise Smash’. This was watched by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, King George VI and Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower from Fort Henry, an observation post built on a small cliff overlooking the bay.

Seven army tanks known as Duplex Drive (DD) Valentine tanks were lost during this exercise which went badly wrong. The Valentine was modified to be a ‘floating’ or amphibious tank that could leave its landing ship further out from shore than other tanks. However, during the exercise, these tanks sank with the loss of six crewmen shortly after driving off their landing craft. They ran into immediate difficulty when a sudden change in the weather adversely affected sea conditions. A valuable lesson was learned that these tanks couldn’t survive being launched too far from a beach and consequently on D-Day itself the tanks were released in shallow water.

The Valentine tanks in Poole Bay represent the largest surviving group of their type anywhere in the world.

Images from Tanks & Bulldozers project July 2008 by Southsea Sub Aqua Club

SECOND WORLD WAR TANKS & BULLDOZERS, SELSEY BILL, WEST SUSSEX

(SCHEDULED MONUMENT)

In June 1944, the Allies opened a second front in Europe with Operation Neptune, comprising a largely amphibious invasion. In preparation for the assault, the 286-ton landing craft  LCT(A)2428 was loaded with two Centaur cruiser tanks designed to fire at concrete targets such as pillboxes, two armoured D7 bulldozers designed to protect both the driver and the engine while clearing the invasion beaches of obstacles, one 4X4 car and a jeep. All the vehicles were lost on the night of 5/6 June when the landing craft broke down in the Solent while on route to the D-Day landings in Normandy. The vessel was taken under tow but capsized, spilling into the sea its cargo of tanks and armoured bulldozers intended to support the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division landing at Juno Beach. Sometime afterwards, the upturned vessel was deliberately sunk by gunfire from its tug, several miles to the east, off Selsey Bill in West Sussex. These armoured vehicles represent the only surviving group of their type in north-west Europe.

PHOENIX CAISSON (OUTER) OFF PAGHAM HARBOUR, WEST SUSSEX  (SCHEDULED MONUMENT)

Mulberry Harbours were considered to be a major technological and engineering achievement of their time and contributed to the success of the D-Day landings. Designed and constructed by British military engineers during the Second World War, these huge artificial floating harbours were used by the allies to rapidly land enormous amounts of supplies and equipment in Normandy following the invasion.

The component parts were towed by tugs across the Channel, assembled by the military then sunk off Normandy to form a sheltered harbour to protect unloading ships. The Mulberries consisted of four major component parts and each had a code-name: Gooseberry (a network of artificial breakwaters), Bombardon (floating breakwaters), Whale (floating piers) and Phoenix (sunken breakwaters).

The outer or far Mulberry off Pagham Harbour which has been protected is a Phoenix caisson and it is a rare type of steel reinforced concrete unit that functioned as a sunken breakwater. Phoenix units varied in size between 2000 and 6000 tons. In June 1944 this particular unit was ‘parked’ off Pagham awaiting passage to Normandy. Its ballast tanks were pumped out to re-float it but as its tug wasn’t ready, the unit was re-sunk. However, during stormy weather, it swung around in the tide and became so damaged that it became unusable. It has remained in situ ever since.

PHOENIX CAISSON (INNER) OFF PAGHAM, WEST SUSSEX (SCHEDULED MONUMENT)

 A rare concrete pier off Pagham has also been granted protection. Part of the Mulberry Harbour, this comprises a steel reinforced concrete platform which was designed to connect to offshore pontoons allowing more than one ship to unload its cargo at any one time. It is not yet clear how this sunken pier came to be located in the shallow waters off Pagham, but it is in an area commonly known by mariners as the ‘park’ which contains a large number of submerged or ‘parked’ Second World War components that were associated with Mulberry Harbour operations.

SECOND WORLD WAR CONCRETE REPLICA LANDING CRAFT AND TRAINING AREA, BRAUNTON BURROWS, DEVON – LISTED GRADE II

Six Second World War replica landing craft installations made of concrete and used for training American troops at Braunton Burrows in Devon have been protected. From September 1943, the North Devon coast became an Assault Training Center for American forces as part of the preparations for an allied attack on the Normandy beaches. Concrete replica landing craft were based on a 1942 American modification of the British Tank Landing Craft and were designed to represent the top deck of the craft with its front ramp lowered so troops could practice the embarking and disembarking of vehicles and personnel in advance of the D-Day landings. Additional aprons were added at the back of the craft and six foot high metal poles at the base edges supported either canvas or corrugated-tin screens to represent the sides of the craft.

The training structures were abandoned and a large number demolished in the late 20th century. A memorial service is held on 6 June each year at the replica craft structures at Braunton Burrows to recognise and remember the important role that the members of the allied forces played in the liberation of Europe.

A further concrete structure newly listed at Grade II at the Assault Training Center, to the north of the landing craft, illustrates the range of facilities offered here.  The practice rocket, or ‘Bazooka’, wall was built deep within the sand dunes in 1943, a target butt for the Allied forces.  A rare survival of its type, the wall is largely intact and the visible repairs provide evidence of its use.

The majority of the newly protected structures have been identified by military enthusiasts the Friends of the Assault Training Center. They will be working with Historic England, North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Christie Estates to conserve and manage them after the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day on 6 June to ensure they are accessible for more people to enjoy.

For more information visit the Historic England website by clicking here.

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Discover Curaçao with the Ultimate Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition

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Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.

Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities

With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.

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Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators

This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.

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Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure

Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.

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Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages

This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.

It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!

Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.

For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.

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Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity

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Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.

Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!

santa divers

Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.

Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.

“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.

Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.

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