This book examines the areas of Sussex that played an important part in the Second World War. Chichester became the nerve centre for the county’s civil defence organisation and Tangmere and other airfields were involved in the Battle of Britain and provided a springboard for the Allied aerial onslaught on German occupied territories. Towns like Bognor Regis, Brighton and Hastings were repeatedly bombed by the Luftwaffe, while Eastbourne was the most targeted place in the South East outside London. The potential invasion of Britain during the Second World War had become a very real threat when Germany occupied the seaboard of northern France in 1940. The beaches of Sussex became ideal invasion hotspots, which drew the county into the very centre of Britain’s war effort. Although today Sussex is split into two counties, East and West, this book looks at both, with particular focus on the coastline which was most affected by the war.

Henry Buckton is a social historian, and has published a large number of books on various historical subjects. His main area of expertise is the Second World War, particularly the Battle of Britain. Henry studied at the Somerset College of Arts and trained as a graphic designer, but in his working life serves in the Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency (MDPGA). He lives in Meare, Somerset.