Fort Henry (Middle Beach) | Middle Beach Car Park | Studland | Dorset | BH19 3AX | www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Fort Henry was constructed in 1943 by the Canadian Royal Engineers as a purpose-built observation post overlooking Studland Bay. Named after their base in Ontario, the structure stretches over 90 feet in length and features thick concrete walls, floors and ceilings designed to withstand heavy bombardment.
At the time of its construction, Fort Henry was the largest and strongest observation post built in Britain. Its elevated position and reinforced design made it an ideal location for senior military figures to safely observe large-scale exercises in preparation for the D-Day landings.
In April 1944, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, King George VI, General Eisenhower and General Montgomery watched a full rehearsal of the Normandy landings from this very spot.
Codenamed Exercise Smash, the rehearsal involved live ammunition, with battleships and aircraft bombarding the beach, followed by thousands of troops landing by sea. It remains the largest live-ammunition exercise carried out in Britain during the Second World War.
Watch: Studland Bay & Fort Henry – WWII Archive Footage
Black and white archive footage showing military training exercises at Studland Bay during the Second World War.
Today, Fort Henry forms part of the Studland Beach World War II walk and offers a fascinating glimpse into Britain’s wartime history, set against the stunning natural backdrop of Studland Bay.
Distance from Woodyhyde Campsite: approximately 30 minutes by car to Fort Henry and Middle Beach, Studland.
Book your stay at Woodyhyde Campsite and explore Fort Henry and Studland Beach just a short drive away.