Fort Henry: Canadian and British Assault Training at Studland for Operation Overlord, 1943-1944

Abstract

Fort Henry at Studland in Dorset is an observation post constructed to observe Canadian and British amphibious training exercises for Operation Overlord. It is an important and visible remnant of training exercises which is frequently misunderstood. This article draws on a wide range of sources from archives in the UK, Canada and United States to provide a comprehensive account of how and why the building was constructed, the origin of its name and how the building was utilised during its short, but eventful lifetime.