Hutted Histories: Anti-Invasion Defences of the Second World War - Home Forces, Archaeological Investigation, and Legacy

Although pretty well known today, the period following the Fall of France and the subsequent invasion threat to the UK is rather poorly understood and significantly under-researched. In most people’s minds, the period following the Dunkirk evacuation saw old men and young boys rushing to join the Local Defence Volunteers (later the Home Guard), where they were quickly made responsible for defending the country against the onslaught of the Wehrmacht that could come at any moment.

Although the role of the LDV is very well known to many, the generally accepted narrative and history surrounding their role in defending the UK now means the role of the Regular and Territorial Army in Home Defence has been largely ignored. Many Regular and Territorial units saw themselves quickly redeployed within the Home Forces to defend the now vulnerable coastline of the UK, and inland areas, within a few days of being evacuated from France.

This talk will take a look at the deployment of units within Home Defence in the period from Summer 1940 to late 1942, looking at the key role played by the Regular and Territorial Army; as well as how this information can be used to better understand the defences that survive today and aid their investigation through archaeological investigation.

Chris Kolonko is an archaeologist that specialises in First and Second World War Home Front in the UK, in particular anti-invasion defences of the First and Second World Wars. Having specialised in this subject for nearly 20 years, Chris has undertaken research and fieldwork to investigate and learn about the Anti-Invasion defences of Northern Command during the Second World War. The aim of this is to gain a better understanding of the effectiveness of the defences and to learn about those who would have used them if the balloon went up in 1940 and 1941.

Chris, with Peter Hibbs, established the UK Second World War Heritage group in 2018 to support involvement in researching, recording and interpreting Second World War heritage assets throughout the UK. The group also aims to promote ethical fieldwork, in-line with current archaeological best practice, and encourage the recording of sites with Historic Environment Records and wider professional heritage organisations. You can find out more about Chris and his work here.