Defending the Coast - Battling with the Elements - Saving Souls on Land & Sea
Wartime Airfields, Memorials & Military Defences
From a mighty Napoleonic Martello tower to the memories of WWI Air Station Aldeburgh (Hazlewood Aerodrome) and concrete reminders of WWII coastal defences, the coast and river valley landscapes around Aldeburgh are scattered with evidence of a rich military history. Tucked away, repurposed or even relocated, the remnants of wartime defences in Aldeburgh may not always be obvious or on show, but they are still very much memorials to lives spent – and at times lost – in the service of the country.
But Aldeburgh’s battles have not always been of the military kind. In the past, and in the present, it has also experienced fights against other forces…
The War against ‘Free Trade’ – Smuggling
Smuggling was big business up and down the East Suffolk coast in 18th century. Secluded bays and river inlets were just perfect for landing contraband goods such as tea, coffee, tobacco, spices, brandy, gin and even soap!
Gangs of smugglers made the path above the Alde River between Aldeburgh and Snape their own. Much of the local population benefited from the ‘trade’ and little could be done to stop the determined thugs. 1727 saw Excise Officer, Jeremiah Brandreth, stoned, clubbed and only narrowly escape with this life after a chase near Snape. Another had his nose cut off by a vicious smuggling gang!
Find out more in Aldeburgh Moot Hall Museum – or why not walk the Sailors’ (Smugglers’!) Path from Aldeburgh to Snape?
Aldeburgh Museum Sailors' PathThe Threat of Napoleon
Napoleon posed a significant military threat to England at the turn of the 19th century. Massive gun emplacement fortifications were constructed along the south and east coasts.
Aldeburgh’s Martello Tower CC is the line’s most northly position, but it is unusual for host of reasons too – including that you can stay in it!
About Martello CC
At War with the Sea
The job of protecting and saving the lives of those who go to sea has been a way of life for many Aldeburgh lifeboatmen families for generations. The parish churchyard with views down onto the waves, is home to the poignant 1899 Lifeboat Disaster memorial.
An Aldeburgh resident, Dr Nora Acheson (1901-1981), was the first woman to support a lifeboat in action. Two Aldeburgh Lifeboatmen supported the 1940 evacuation of Dunkirk.
Do take time to visit and support the RNLI Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station on the beachfront during your time in the town.
Find out more
WWI – Air Station Aldeburgh
Private farmland alongside today’s Hazlewood Marshes was home to night landing ground, Hazlewood Aerodrome (1915-1919). Pilots used the sand bunkers of adjacent Aldeburgh golf course as guides to landing!
Planes known as ‘Blackburn Kangaroos’ were based at WWI Air Station Aldeburgh. The site has been long cleared, but some of the Officers Quarters were sold to the Ogilvie family, who converted them into dwellings at ‘Uplands’ in Thorpeness.
WWI in Aldeburgh Aldeburgh's Fallen 1914-18WWII – Fort Green Battery & Coastal Defences
Aldeburgh holds only a handful of reminders of its WWII Battle School training grounds, when The Haven at North Warren were set up with anti-tank obstacles and Fort Green really did have a fort, in the form of an Emergency Coastal Defence Battery.
The Victorian mill, flanked by the battery’s guns, was a different sort of observation tower back. The Brudenell Hotel housed the officers mess. One of the WWII men’s billets now partly accommodates Fort Green’s public loos! Download the fascinating WWII Archaeology of Suffolk Guide for Walberswick to Aldeburgh for detailed information.
Download
Forever Remembered
The Aldeburgh War Memorial stands by the Moot Hall on Market Cross Green and, together with Aldeburgh Parish Church is the focus of acts of remembrance, and civic ceremony throughout the year.
The local British Legion Brass Band leads remembrance parades and occasionally also gives concerts on the Green.
Aldeburgh RemembersAwarded Honorary Freedom of the Town
Conferred upon 653 Squadron Army Air Corps (2012) and 1379 (Iceni) Squadron of the Air Training Corps (2025), this rare and prestigious honour recognises the Squadrons’ outstanding service to both the local community and the nation.
365 Squadron 1379 Squadron
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