On This Day in Wembury — 23 August 1937
The cliffs near Rennie, close to Wembury, echoed to the sound of twelve big guns as the 3rd and 23rd Heavy Batteries of the 1st Heavy Brigade, Royal Artillery began an intensive programme of firing practice. The weapons included 9.2-inch howitzers and 6-inch calibre guns, directed under the command of Lieut.-Col. D. Paige. War Office officials and officers of Southern Command attended to observe the training, which was expected to continue for several days.
Source: Western Morning News, 24 August 1937
To those in nearby villages, the earth-shaking blasts were a reminder that Europe’s uneasy peace might not last. Today the same headlands are walked for their views and wildlife, but in 1937 they doubled as Britain’s front line of preparation.