Reculver Bombing Range

During World War II, the coastline east of the village was used to test Barnes Wallis's prototype bouncing bombs. This location offered seclusion, clear church tower landmarks, and shallow water for easy recovery. These tests led to the operational model "Upkeep," used by RAF's 617 Squadron during the Dambuster raids on May 16–17, 1943. On the 60th anniversary, a Lancaster bomber was used to commemorate the event by flying over the Reculver site.

Two prototypes remained in marshland until 1977, while others were recovered in 1997. One is displayed at Herne Bay Museum, with others at Dover Castle and the Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum. In 2017, part of an inert bomb was uncovered during beach maintenance at Reculver.

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Source

• Text: TracesofWar
• Photos: IWM FLM 2343