D-Day Preparation
In preparation for the D-Day invasion, Stokes Bay was the site of the construction of the Phoenix Caissons for the Mulberry Harbours; towed across the channel to Normandy.
A map showing Phoenix Site 1; the tea shop can be seen but the control centre next to it is not displayed as it was not built until 1943
Phoenix caissons being constructed at Site 2; note the houses in Palmerston Way
Phoenix caissons being constructed; note the launching ramps
A sketch of the sailing club from the 1970s; the eastern end of the building was built as the control centre for the construction of the caissons
Phoenix caissons being constructed at Phoenix Site 1 looking east
The flexible concrete matting laid on to the shingle to assist launching. The timber dolphin was still in place in the early 1980s
Remnants of the flexible concrete matting can still be seen
The D-Day memorial to the east of the sailing club
The plaque on the front of the sailing club