Grandsons had visited earlier in the year and loved it. I was given strict instructions and told I really MUST visit! They were right, this is a fascinating visit.
Brixham Battery is one of the few of the 116 emergency batteries built around the coast in response to a possible German invasion in 1940 to have survived. It is the most complete and many of the installations can still be found scattered around the headland above Brixham and over looking Torbay. The site was manned by around 100 soldiers from the Royal Artillery and as well as guarding the coastline, it was also used for training.
The Artillery Training School building is now a museum run by the Brixham Battery Heritage Centre. All are volunteers, enthusiastic and love to talk to visitors about the history and different exhibits.
It is a real treasure trove from uniforms to rations as well as guns and air raid shelters. The folding bicycle and mobile pedal battery generator must rank tops for ingenuity – this is the American version as it had a seat. The British one didn’t . Both could be folded up for carrying by paratroopers as they jumped out of aeroplanes.
There are also the remains of different WW2 buildings scattered around the headland and the museum guide gives information how to find them.
The museum buildings are just above Fishcombe Cove and are accessible to those in wheelchairs. Try and visit on one of their open days when there is chance to handle guns and also have guided tours of the headland with access to some of the other buildings.
The museum is free, so please leave a donation!
Website
http://www.brixhambattery.net/
Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/BrixhamBattery/
