Exbury and the New Forest
Why WW2 military service?
To visit the beautiful gardens at Exbury in the New Forest today it is hard to believe that it played a key military role during WW2.
This beautiful Rothschild family estate was used by Naval Intelligence during World War Two.
Over 1000 Nissen huts housed the personnel who were collecting vital intelligence data and at
nearby Inchmery House, Free French and Polish commandoes were involved in intelligence training.
During World War Two, Exbury was renamed Her Majesty's Stone frigate "Mastodon". Mr de Rothschild
was given 48hours to clear the house in readiness for the Intelligence Servcie occupation -
not an easy task I'd imagine.
Exbury became one of the centres for the D Day planning. Here's how the centres were set up
- 17 miles north west - Breamore House for short period General George Patton's headquarters
- 17 miles south east - Southwick House General Eisenhower's headquarters
- 17 miles north - Bernard Montgomery's headquarters
The Beaulieu river runs at the bottom of the garden and landing craft were regularly tested
here ready for the D day landings - apparently there is still a small navel craft in the mud today.
Now you can add your own personal WW2 stories and memories to share with others here.
When you have finished reading all you have to do is fill in the form at the bottom of the page.
This Rothschild estate was given an exemption, unlike the rest of the New Forest.
No tanks or guns should be parked in the gardens as it was felt they would ruin many rare and beautiful plants - a good bit of
forwarding planning.
As I 've previously mentioned the Mulberry Harbour was constructed on the Beaulieu river at Bucklers Hard. However, the planning took place at Exbury near the Captains
Cottage under a mulberry tree - hence the name!
After the D day landings in early 1945 the House became HMS King Alfred and later HMS Hawk.
It was a very strategic property because of the access it had to the marshes. At this time and up until 1955 Montgomery was concerned that the Russians and the Cold War posed a threat to Britain.
There is a commemorative plaque for all those who fell during the landings and also those who passed
through Exbury during World War Two and subsequently died.
The Exbury Veterans Association have also provided a bench so that people can sit and see the flagpole - have a look if you visit - you may ned a quiet sit down too!
Would you like to find out more history of
Exbury?
Do you need to search for further information?.....here's how
Welcome to New Forest Life SiteSearch. I really hope you find this Google tool helpful in finding your way around my site.
Are you wondering where you saw the World War Two spies page? Perhaps you found some information, or a really lovely photo of a New Forest pony, and wanted to find it again?
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In the search box below, simply enter New Forest followed by whatever you are searching for
For example: put World War two spies if you are looking to find information on the World War two spies and hit the Search button.
Happy Searching!
Perhaps you would like to use WikiMapia to look at more detail of this area of the New Forest? You will be able to see why it was so strategic. If you use this map you can find exactly the area of you chose and what the nearby villages look like. Give it a go.....
WikiMapia
Do you have a great WW2 memory you can share?
WW2 memories are heartfelt, poignant and very personal. Some of them can be funny - have you got one to share?
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