Mulberry Harbour Components Tested off Selsey

1943-1944

During the preparations for D-Day, the waters off Selsey were used for testing components of the Mulberry harbours, the prefabricated floating harbours that would be towed across the English Channel and assembled off the Normandy beaches. Huge concrete caissons, known as Phoenix units, were constructed and tested in the shallow waters around Selsey Bill. Some of these structures remain visible at low tide, embedded in the seabed off the coast. The Selsey area was used because of its relatively shallow, sheltered waters and its distance from major population centres. The presence of the Mulberry components brought military personnel and activity to the quiet fishing town. The remains off the coast are a tangible reminder of Selsey's contribution to the Allied war effort.