WWII Memories: When barbed wire fortified Paignton’s beaches

Paignton did not suffer as much bomb damage during World War II as some of its surrounding towns and cities.

Langs Road in Preston, where a bomb killed 13 people and demolished 5 houses, was probably the worst event. However, in Torquay, the bombing of the Sunday School in St Marychurch, which killed 21 children and 3 adults, profoundly shocked the whole of Torbay.

However, along with the rest of the country, the wider repercussions of being at war were felt. Rationing, hard to imagine these days when there is generally a vast selection of food available, allowed each person very meagre amounts of food. One example (one egg a week) gives an idea of how little was available.

The blackout, meaning no light could be shown after dark, was unpleasant and dangerous for anyone who had to be out. Accidents occurred as cars travelled with very little light or sometimes no lights at all. Fathers, sons, and brothers were conscripted, leaving women to cope alone and carry out jobs normally done by men.

Of course, things are different now, and men and women can carry out any jobs they choose, but this was a different time and lifestyle, and expectations were unlike today.

As a seaside town, Paignton, along with the other towns in the area, covered the beaches with barbed wire for fear of an invasion from the sea. The pier had the central section removed to deter enemy invaders from thinking that could be an easy way to get ashore. It's doubtful whether this would have been much of a deterrent, but it was deemed necessary.

Looking across Paignton Green from its position near the junction of Esplanade Road and Marine Drive was the gun emplacement, still to be seen today. This was another safeguard should the enemy decide to invade South Devon.

Anderson shelters appeared in gardens, and Morrison shelters were constructed, usually under tables indoors. One of the public shelters used was the mediaeval clink in. Consisting of two small rooms approximately 6 by 7 feet and originally used as a prison, the clink was built and is now situated in Church Street Mews. How damp, smelly, and thoroughly unpleasant this must have been can only be imagined.

Paignton Heritage Society is currently producing a book on WW2 in Paignton for schools. Working once again in collaboration with Oldway School and with the help of a focus group of children, the book will be available shortly and will be supplied free of charge to all local schools.

The Paignton Heritage Centre, shortly to open in the library, will also have much information on Paignton in wartime.

PHS has regular monthly meetings at Gerston Chapel Torquay Road. There is always a speaker, and this month, on March 20th, our speaker will be David Scott; his talk is entitled What if Hitler had invaded South Devon? Sounds fascinating.

Meetings start at 7pm, and entry is £5. Tea/coffee is provided.