Relic WWII Beetles (39) at Mulberry Harbour Marchwood - Southampton Water

In November 1943 a new military port was built at Marchwood to specifically assist with Mulberry Harbour construction in the build up to D Day and to give extra docking space for the ever increasing number of vessels waiting in Southampton Water for the Normandy landings. It became the base for the newly formed No. 1 Port and Inland Water Transport Repair Depot, Royal Engineers. The unit’s responsibilities included the construction of Mulberry Harbour components; particularly the floating spans made up of the ‘Whales’ roadways and ‘Beetles’ support pontoons Wates Group Ltd. construction firm, who had been employed to build elements of Mulberry, also built a slipway and other facilities. Part of the waterfront was also roofed over so that Mulberry construction could continue in bad weather. A large number of WWII Beetles (39) can be still on the shore of Southampton Water between Hythe and Marchwood, where they have been scuttled to help reclaim land and act as coastal protection. It is believed that these Beetles were spares manufactured at Marchwood or Beaulieu that never made it over to France. A detailed survey and recording of the Beetles and the site history was undertaken by a student at the University of Southampton which can be read: here Check out our other Videos - Please like and subscribe Container Ships https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovRK4JaJPT0&list=PLD4hGzYlO1PTqFtYIZLgGp0QWSuc8Euwc Shorts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4ctP8KCLcA&list=PLD4hGzYlO1PSblQ6t7uaAs1aI8Pi4-mZj Cruise Ships https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBj0Or8apTM&list=PLD4hGzYlO1PTNIoHhCkNfhBpDWU2J3hEO Tanker and Bulk Carriers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DMidFPbRG0&list=PLD4hGzYlO1PRXo1Syw6I_5KiAMM-X1pCj Nature on the Solent https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDa-C_Z8fyw&list=PLD4hGzYlO1PRP3m8EM5CO5nyricp1Kx8h