A simple traditional cache as part of a short series around Cudmore Grove's World War Two Trail, placed with the kind permission of the Ranger, Dougal, and Essex Country Parks. This cache was placed as part of the Mersea Day Event during UK Mega Essex 2015.
At the outbreak of World War II, the island became part of the front line for invasion and was heavily fortified. Along with other coastal resorts, the island drew in evacuees from London, though as the war progressed, these were moved to safer settlements further inland. 2000 troops were stationed on the island to guard against invasion. A battery of 4.7 inch guns was installed along the beach along with a Battery Observation post and a number of searchlights and pillboxes. Several of these installations survived and can still be seen along the south coast of the island, one of which has been converted into a cafe.
Close to this cache site, you will find the remains of a searchlight emplacement which was part of the East Mersea coastal artillery battery. The remains can now be seen as broken concrete on the beach after being destroyed by the effects of coastal erosion.
Please be stealthy and mindful of the environment