Understand
Ide Hill's woodlands reveal a hidden World War Two ammunition dump past
Overview
The woodlands near the Kent village of Ide Hill feature remnants of a significant World War Two military site used to prepare for D-Day and Operation Overlord. Local researchers and the Ide Hill Society have highlighted how the area served as a large ammunition dump, connected by paved tracks built to transport supplies. Today, walkers can still spot physical evidence of this wartime history, including remnants of Nissen huts, paved paths, and emergency water tanks.
Key points
- Ide Hill in Kent features woodlands with paved paths and wartime remnants linked to World War Two.
- Researcher Phil Richards investigated the site after learning it was used to store bombs during the war.
- The woodlands served as a large ammunition dump in preparation for D-Day and Operation Overlord in 1944.
- Canadian forces arrived around 1940, initially guarding against a potential German invasion before the site's use shifted.
- The village was chosen for its strategic position as one of the highest points in Kent.
- Walkers today can still find physical evidence of the military site, including Nissen huts, paved tracks, and water tanks.