Soldiers who died clearing WW2 mines remembered

The soldiers died in two explosions on Shakespeare Beach

Soldiers who were killed while clearing mines from a beach at the end of World War Two have been remembered in Kent.

A plaque has gone on display at Archcliffe Fort, which overlooks Shakespeare Beach, at a shop run by homelessness charity Emmaus Dover.

Local historian Phil Eyden, who organised the memorial, said beaches were covered in mines during the war.

He said soldiers were later redeployed to remove them, but four died in explosions in 1944 and 1945.

“During the war the beaches were covered in landmines, barbed wire and pill boxes,” he said.

“Whole beaches were mined stretching from Hastings to Norfolk.

“Sappers who were diffusing bombs in London were redeployed to get rid of beach mines, when they were no longer needed, from 1943 onwards.”

Corporal Charles Easton and Sapper Frank Fibbens died in an explosion on 24 March 1944, he said, and Sapper George Young died alongside Private Joseph Hayes in a blast on 3 September 1945.

Mr Eyden researched the events in old newspapers and at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Royal Engineers Historical Society.

The plaque is being displayed at part of the fort which is not listed

A bugler and the Queen's Regimental Association Core of Drummers played at Saturday’s ceremony and standards were flying for the Royal Engineers and Royal British Legion.

Emmaus Dover, chief executive Debbie Stevenson, said: “We are proud to be able to support such an important event to remember people who carried out this vital service for the country.

"What happened on the beaches should not be forgotten."