WHAT IS MAIDEN NEWTON AT WAR?

Maiden Newton at War is an event run by '1940s Maiden Newton' to raise funds for local charities and good causes.

During the Second World War Maiden Newton was recognised as an important railhead for the D Day preparations. A U.S. Quartermaster's Store was established and supplied by road and rail. Maiden Newton was also directly linked to the coast by two different railway lines, the Great Western Railway to Weymouth and the Bridport Branch to Bridport and West Bay. Because of this Maiden Newton was turned into an 'Anti Tank Island'. Hundreds of anti tank blocks were constructed along with anti tank ditches and road blocks to form a ring of obstacles around the village. In addition several 'Pill Boxes' and at least one 'Spigot Mortar' was also constructed, there is also evidence to suggest that two 'Flame Fougasse' booby traps were established in the lanes leading to the village.

In recognition of this important role that Maiden Newton played during WW2 a group of local residents decided to put on an event in June 2008 called Maiden Newton at War. This event attempted to interpret our history both military and civilian with displays, authentic music and battle re-enactments. Maiden Newton was never attacked by German forces, however if Operation Sea Lion, the planned German invasion of England, had taken place then one of the landing forces was tasked to progress along the Bridport Branch Line to Maiden Newton, then onto Bristol via the Great Western Railway. Our battles reflect what might have happened. It was due largely to the efforts of the RAF during the Battle of Britain in 1940 that this invasion never took place. We will be marking the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain at our event in June 2010.
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