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A Second World War artillery battery at Capel was built between 1941 and 1942 on the cliff tops of Capel Le-Ferne between Dover and Folkestone.
Manned by 520 Coast Regiment Royal Artillery. Aerial photographs taken in 1942 and 1945 show that this was an extensive site, with probable barracks indicated by Nissen huts, roads, hard standings and around 19 military buildings.
The domestic side of the site is sheltered by a large berm (defensive bank) extending along the seaward side, and the whole site is surrounded by barbed wire obstructions. The battery mounted three eight-inch coastal guns. The eastern side of the battery site was redeveloped into the Battle of Britain Memorial (see NMR Monument Record 1394858) in 1993.
With THE COLLAPSE OF FRANCE in June 1940 Britain found herself facing possible invasion. Accordingly there was an urgent need for guns to defend the coast, particularly in the area around Dover, only twenty-two miles from German occupied France.
The plotting room, shelter and dressing station for the battery were all kept underground. On the surface were an observation post (OP) and two engine blocks - one to take over if the other was rendered useless. Capel's anti-aircraft defence provided by two 40mm Bofors guns, the AA gun of choice for most batteries of this type and age.
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