Enemy spy plane images of potential Scottish targets
World War II defences

On the 1st of September 1939, Germany invaded Poland. Two days later, Britain declared war on Germany, marking the beginning of World War II. Until World War II, Britain successfully relied on its strong navy to protect its shores. Even during World War I, a German invasion seemed unlikely. By the summer of 1940, however, Britain and her allies had suffered defeats in Norway, Denmark and France. German forces occupied the Channel Islands and Hitler issued Directive 16, Operation SEALION, outlining the invasion of Great Britain. Germany expected Britain to surrender but the British did not. "We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender" The British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, House of Commons 4th June 1940 The British Army was undermanned and ill-equipped having suffered defeat in France. It seemed like invasion was inevitable but Britain planned to do everything it could to stop the enemy. A defence plan was developed that involved the entire country, from the Orkney Islands in the north of Scotland to the south coast of England. Today, archaeological remains of these coastal defences are still visible all over Britain; they remain as testimony to the defiant spirit of a nation isolated and under attack.