The map to the right gives you an idea of where exactly the area of Devon county I live in is and also where it is in relation to the south of England as a whole.
The map beneath gives more detail of Devon county. On the left, below the location marked 'Torquay' is Brixham. This is the town I live in.
The map beneath this gives further detail of Brixham town.
Brixham and its neighbouring towns of Paignton and Torquay together form the 'English Riviera'. The Riviera (within Torbay) is popular for its beaches and all three towns can become very crowded with holidaymakers during the summer season - therefore a lot of the areas revenue is generated from the hotel & tourist trade. Having lived in this area all my life it is easy to understand why so many people find this part of the coast so attractive. Indeed there are hundreds of locations that are extremely picturesque; whether it is the beaches, coastal paths, promenades or the High Streets.
Brixham is a small town which is primarily founded upon the fishing industry. In the town there is a busy harbour and fish quay on which trawlers & crabbers can always be seen moored. Also there is a small farming industry which occupies most of the area further up from the town. Brixham is the smallest of the three towns which make up Torbay. As mentioned it is popular with tourists and there are three or four camp sites to accomodate them during the season.
During 1939 as war loomed over Europe once more, the South West was just as alert as the rest of the country. Throughout history, the coast of any country has always had to be well defended from attack from sea and air and during World War Two with the initial successes of the Nazi forces in Europe and with the fall of Holland, Belgium and France in 1940 it became apparent that an invasion of England was a distinct possibility.
As a result of the German victories the French Channel Coast was occupied and guarded by the enemy. With the threat of invasion upon the doorstep of England, the coast was extensively fortified. Many beaches along the South Coast were mined and anti-tank barricades were erected. Road signs were taken down to hamper any German paratroopers, infantry and armoured units. Road blocks were also set up.
The Rise Of Antagonism
Operation 'Sealion' was the name given by the German High Command for the planned invasion of England. The mobilisation for this invasion moved along speedily and during September 1940 there were around 105 barges at Ostend, Belgium ready for use in the invasion. This mobilisation was preparing all down the coast to Cherbourg and it seemed to the British that Operation Sealion may be put into effect at any moment. In fact, this information seemed so significant that the British authorities ordered 'Invasion Alert 2' which meant an attack was expected within as little as three days.
The Luftwaffe had already been implementing the early stages of the invasion by steadily attacking England's airfields in what was named Operation 'Eagle' or 'Eagle Day' as it was known in Germany (Der Adlertag). This operation involved many different types of aircraft - Heinkel He-111's, Messerschmitt BF-110's, Junkers Ju-87's (the notorious Stuka dive-bomber), Junkers Ju-88 medium bombers and Dorniers. This attack truly tested the resolve of the RAF Spitfires, Hurricanes and groundcrew but was soon to be repulsed in what became known as the 'Battle Of Britain' during September 1940.
