Secret WW2 tunnels in Kent (near Canterbury?)

[SurreyGuy]

Apparently they are open to the public - does anybody know where they are please?

T.I.A.

[shaneystar2]

Dover castle has the tunnels from the war.This is where to see the secret tunnels that were used during the evacuation of Dunkirk ...and there is also Chilham which is near Canterbury ..but I think that is closed now. There is also Chilslehurst Caves which were used as air raid shelters during the war.

[JudgeJ]

There are two lots of �secret� tunnels cut into the chalk cliffs upon which Dover Castle sits. The larger lot are the tunnels which, as shaneystar2 says, are famous for their role during WW2.

However, they originally date from the Middle Ages and were extended considerably during Napoleonic times. This was done to enable the sea approaches to Dover Harbour to be defended.

The early tunnels were extended twice during World War 2. The first extension, known as �Annexe� level, provided an underground hospital and a control centre from which many of the famous WW2 operations, including the evacuation from Dunkirk and the D-Day landings, were planned and controlled. The second extension, known as �Dumpy� level was excavated in 1941 and remained in use until the mid 1950s as a fortress, plotting room and NATO communications centre. Dumpy was finally abandoned in 1962.

The two earlier levels are open to the public and have been refurbished by English Heritage (EH) to show how they looked during WW2. These include the operating theatre in the hospital as well as dormitories and operation control rooms. Dumpy is not open at present as there are issues concerning fire exit arrangements for the public, but EH hopes to address these.

Dover Castle is well worth a visit. The medieval castle itself is impressive and the tour of the tunnels is very interesting. You need to allow a whole day, and even then, you may not have time to see all that is available.

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks fellas.

[Alibobs]

No, it's a secret...............!!!!!

Sorry x

[Alibobs]

As you're a Surrey Guy check out this link


www.ukfortsclub.org.uk/epsom

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks