Second World War Minefield No. 45/41, Kings Ave/York Rd, Holland-on-Sea (EHER 21165)

Second World War minefield.

WWII Defence of Clacton survey At the Essex Record Office there exists Clacton Urban District Council correspondence from 1945-47, regarding the clearance of military defence works. Minefield No. 45/41 is stated as being at Holland-on-Sea, on cliff top and cliff face stretching from a point 60 yards North East of Kings Ave to 10 yards South West of York Rd, this is approximately TM 1978 1589 to TM 2012 1608. The full text of the entry is given as follows: ‘Minefield Holland-on-Sea, 22nd May 1946, report to CUDC Location: Little Holland-on-Sea Military ref. 45/41 With reference to the minefield approximately 450 yards long and runs SW-NE along the Esplanade. It also extends down the cliff face for a distance of approximately 300 yards in a SW direction from the NE edge of the field. The NE landward corner of the field is approximately 10 yards SW of York Road – Kings Parade. The SW inland corner is approximately 60 yards North East of the junction of Kings Avenue – Kings Parade. The detailed plans drawn up by 279 Field Co. RE in December 1940 shows 72 mines laid. The area cleared by a Field Coy. of the Czech Independent Brigade in June 1943, when 12 mines and 6 craters were accounted for. Also, the area was swept by Polish Mine Detector 22 BD Coy. RE in February 1944. During the operations 31 mines were found, and 15 craters. Also, 2 mines found washed up on the beach at a later date and disposed of. Thus, a total of 66 mines were accounted for. Another area was re-swept in 44/45 because a disturbance had taken place as a result of breaches to the sea wall. Nothing was found. Note. Although checked, no guarantee can be given that the area is safe.’ The minefield was somewhat irregular in shape. This accounts for the ‘300 yards in a SW direction’ phrase, as it widened progressively from a single point at York Rd westwards. <1> <2>