Monument record ARG 051 - An extensive length of World War II beach scaffolding.

A length of anti-invasion beach scaffolding is visible as a structure on aerial photographs, running south along the seafront for approximately 3.5km from TM47275929 to TM46505608. This length of scaffolding covers a section of beach from Thorpeness to Aldeburgh, and is one component of a much larger system of anti-invasion defences in place throughout the Second World War. To the north it connects with a longer length of scaffolding, recorded as LCS 119 and to the south with stretch recorded as ADB 153. At circa TM46585668 the scaffolding turns west for circa 40m before continuing south for circa 150m and then turning back out to resume its original course. This enclave appears to be located here to allow the lifeboat station at Aldeburgh to fulfil its duties during war years. Construction of the southern portion of the scaffolding at Aldeburgh may have begun by August 1940 as it is possible to see a row of posts in the surf at this time. However, this may be an early form of anti-invasion defense that was later replaced by the scaffolding (see ADB 156). In addition, only two prints from this run were available, covering the Aldeburgh area, and therefore no such dating evidence is available for the northern stretches (S1). The whole length of scaffolding is visible by December 1941(S2), and a few areas can still be seen in October 1945. The line of posts, probably earlier defences known as 'dragon's teeth', are probably retained to form a further line of defence and can be seen on the seaward side of the scaffolding along much of it's length (see ABD 156).