Second World War and coastal defence

1939-1945

Littlehampton's position on the south coast placed it in the front line during the Second World War. The beach was fortified with barbed wire, anti-tank obstacles and minefields, and the harbour was requisitioned for military use. Air raids caused damage and casualties, evacuees from London were billeted with local families, and the build-up to D-Day in 1944 brought intense military activity to the area. The war left physical and emotional scars on the community.