Sussex's Military Heritage

The county of Sussex, today divided into East and West Sussex, has a rich military history that stretches back through the centuries. With its coastline facing continental Europe, Sussex has experienced the impact of invasions from Celtic and Roman times, followed by waves of Saxon, Viking and Norman invaders. Defences were built along the shoreline against the threat of later French invasion, particularly during the Napoleonic scare, and the county was again in the front line during the First and Second World Wars, both in the aerial battle and as a possible seaborne invasion route both for the Allies and the Germans. Inland, Sussex’s military heritage can also be seen throughout the county, with battle sites from medieval times through to the Civil War and numerous buildings and other structures still standing.

Sussex’s Military Heritage explores the military heritage of the county, from Iron Age camps and Roman fortifications to medieval castles, Martello towers, Second World War airfields and Cold War defences, but also the proud history of the military units that were raised in the county and sent to fight in conflicts abroad. This book will be of interest to all those who would like to know more about Sussex’s remarkable military heritage.