#Landmark
Lepe Embarkation & Mulberry Construction
The embarkation point and mulberry construction area can be found alongside the coastline, just east of the Country Park Lepe car park. The mulberry construction area was critical in the manufacturing of components for the artificial 'Mulberry' harbours that were used in Normandy following the D-Day landings in June 1944. Public paths lead down to the beach area
A large quantity of wartime concrete can be found as you head around to the embarkation point from the car park area. These were purpose-built roadways that allowed vehicles to pass along towards the embarkation area. The slips here were big enough for four Landing Craft Tanks (LCT) to be loaded side by side. Two of the 'Dolphins' that formed part of a pier remain, this is where craft would be moored to when berthed. Large sections of 'chocolate block' floor matting also remain but is being damaged and moved by coastal erosion.
It is estimated that 1,579 men and 292 vehicles embarked, at this location, on 40 LCTs ahead of D-Day. These were men of the British 40th Infantry Division who went on to land on Gold Beach, Normandy. After D-Day a further 6,407 men and 2,037 vehicles embarked onto a further 122 LCTs from here.
Further along from the embarkation points is the construction area for Mulberry Harbour Phoenix Caissons. These were the large break waters that formed the outer walls around the intended ports at Arromanches and Omaha Beach. Around January 1944, six Phoenix Caissons were constructed here and then launched into the sea in around May 1944. From here they were towed around towards Southampton for completion, before then heading across to Normandy following D-Day on 6 June 1944.
There are several memorials located in this area, one is to the mean of 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards who embarked from here for Normandy in early June 1944.