You’ve probably driven or walked past the tank traps next to The Hub on Rye Hill and not given them much thought. You should do. The concrete blocks are a physical reminder of Rye’s role in World War Two and how the town would have been a vital part of the country’s defence had Nazi Germany invaded.
Ex-forces personnel were joined by the mayors of Rye and Winchelsea and representatives from the newly named Rye Health and Care to mark the unveiling of plaques honouring the traps on Tuesday 21 July. It was a poignant ceremony which began with a ceremonial military drummer.
“These dragon’s teeth would have been very effective against tanks,” said Colonel Anthony Kimber whose research contributed to the writing on the new plaques. “As well as being road blocks they would have held the enemy to enable infantry and gunners to prevent them moving forward.”
The risk of enemy invasion was very real he said. “In 1940 after the evacuation of Dunkirk it was thought the Germans would land a large force on Romney Marsh. From there they would have pushed forward seizing ground with a view to capturing London. These traps, like the many others, would have helped hold them back from reaching main roads including what is now the A21.”
All over Rye there are signs of wartime batteries and gun placements he explained, including at Rye Harbour and Winchelsea Road.
“It’s vital we remember things like these tank traps,” said Karen Powell, Hub operations manager. After months of planning she was pleased at the day’s event and the new plaques. “People often come in and ask what they are when parking the car. Now we have all the details to give them, a reminder of Rye’s wartime story.”
“Karen’s passion for heritage and history was evident throughout the event,” said Charlotte Kneer, the chief executive of Rye Health and Care.” Her efforts were widely praised by attendees. As a charity we’re proud of our memorial status. The unveiling of the plaques is an important moment in continuing to honour those who gave their lives in service to the country.”
The charity has also confirmed further announcements will be made soon about new initiatives to support local veterans. More in Rye News next week.
Image Credits: James Stewart , Nick Forman , Karen Powell .
For those interested in how the Road Blocks around this area worked, see https://www.ryenews.org.uk/people/community/nature-reserve-launches-history-group
Rye Harbour History Group meets every third Saturday each month at 10:00 at the Discovery Centre on the Nature Reserve, though next meeting will be in September (August break)
There used to be whole line of ‘dragon’s teeth stretching from the Tillingham, through Rolvendene Farm and up the hill to join with the teeth shown in the article. When I was in that area recently I could find no trace of them, so presumably the landowner has removed them? I am referring to a time when Edward Mills ran the farm when I was growing up in the sixties.
Does anyone have any further information, or are they just overgrown now and lost to time?
The dragons teeth on Mr Mills farm were removed sometime in the late 70’s early 80’s.
You can still see many on the Playden side, off Saltcote lane, partially obscured by undergrowth.
Thanks for the update Shaun, I will investigate the Playden side and Saltcote Lane.
It is amazing that we look but don’t see!