​​Stokes Bay Embarkation point​

​In 1942, the decision was made for Stokes Bay to become an embarkation location for amphibious operations. The hards and beach matting embarkation areas were built by civilian constructors following the designs of Army Engineers.

​Stokes Bay was designated as a reception area for those returning from Operation Jubilee, the Dieppe Raid. The intention was that the embarkation points would be used for the unloading of any casualties bought back from Dieppe. They would then be taken to Haslar Naval Hospital, which was located close by. However, due to the failure of Operation Jubilee, the majority of the casualties that could be evacuated were taken directly to Portsmouth Naval Base.

​The embarkation point was used by the British 3rd and 50th Infantry Division during the Exercise Fabius rehearsals for Operation Neptune and Operation Overlord in April and May 1944.

​Embarkation for D-Day took place in late May and early June. Hundreds of vehicles were loaded on to Landing Craft Tanks, such as DD Sherman tanks, Self-Propelled guns and Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers (AVRE), including all their crews. Many of these vehicles and men embarked and prepared for invasion on 5 June, but owing to the twenty-four-hour postponement, they remained anchored out in the Solent, ready to set sail the next day.

Today, ​Stokes Bay embarkation area is open to the public for walking along the promenade from G1 to the west and G4 to the east. The remains of G3 and G4 are better visible than those of G1 and G2. Over time, the sea has washed away most of the concrete matting, but at low tides the concrete blocks (called ‘chocolate blocks’ by the locals because of their resemblance to Cadbury’s chocolate bars), can still be seen. At the G3 and G4 area close to the cafe and memorial, the car park was one of the large hardstanding areas.