The Collection
Cross Channel Shelling, World War Two
During World War II Dover, only 22 miles from Occupied France,
was in the front line. From 1940 to 1944, the German long range
guns across the Channel shelled Dover.
This photograph, taken from Cap Gris Nez on the French Coast,
shows the Chain Home radar installation at Swingate, Dover. The
Germans had batteries at Cap Gris Nez and on the right of the
picture German shells can be seen. The radar station, made up of
transmitting and receiving towers, was part of a string of such
installations along the coast to provide early warning of air
offences. It was an important target for the German guns on the
French coast.
By September 1940 nine German batteries had been
established on the French coast facing Dover. Besides strengthening
coastal defences it was clearly necessary to provide guns to
counter these German long-range guns. Four 14-inch guns, spares
from the battleship 'King George V', were available and the Royal
Marine Siege Regiment, commanded by Lt. Colonel H. D.
Fellowes arrived at St. Margaret's near Dover in early July to
prepare for the installation of the first gun. Due to interest
taken in the gun by Churchill it was nicknamed Winnie and was ready
for action on 7th August 1940, although it was not permitted to
fire until 22nd August, ten days after the first German shell had
crossed the Channel to land on Dover. This photograph is of Pooh,
the second 14-inch gun at St. Margaret's, during its construction,
1941.