wemburywaves

On This Day in Wembury — 17 July 1937

The South Devon coast witnessed a dramatic “mimic war” as part of nationwide defence exercises. Plymouth was tested with air and sea raids, revealing serious gaps in anti-aircraft protection but also proving the strength of coastal batteries.

In the early hours, Plymouth’s Dockyard, Mount Batten air base, and nearby defences were pounded in simulated attacks. One of the most striking moments came when holidaymakers at Wembury’s holiday camp were startled by a mock bomb, aimed at the range-finding station, that landed within the camp itself. Aircraft swooped to just 50 feet above the ground before pulling up, thrilling — and unnerving — those watching from the cliffs and beaches.

The exercise continued through dawn, with destroyers, submarines, and aircraft carriers all playing their part. While the outcome of the “war” was left for referees to decide, one conclusion was already clear: Plymouth’s skies needed more guns and searchlights, but its people and coastline had proven resilient under pressure.

Source: Western Morning News, 17 July 1937

Even in practice, Wembury found itself on the front line. For the villagers and summer visitors, the spectacle was a sharp reminder that war was no longer something fought on distant fields — the next conflict would reach their beaches and skies.