Barbed wire was put around the camp at Clacton and search lights fitted surrounding the camp. It made it an illuminated target for German bombers as the rest of the town was covered by blackout restrictions.
Much of Clacton-on-sea's coastline was fortified with barbed wire and machine guns. It was also mined to prevent a possible invasion, which continued until 1945. Clacton was also listed as a restricted area, which required a special pass to visit
It was originally intended to house internees and prisoners of war, but these were dispersed to the Isle of Man and overseas later.
Butlin however agreed two good deals for the use of his camps. He received 25% of the last years profits as rent for the use of the camp, but this was not enough to pay the shareholders a dividend during the entire war period. He also had a buy back arrangement that he could purchase the new camps back after the war at 60% of their original cost to the forces.
Also a number of improvements were made for the Military that were turned into peacetime assets at no cost to Butlin!
He also made changes to the working regime in the munitions factories for the Ministry of Supply by improving morale by colouring the buildings, providing entertainment and getting rid of the barbed wire around the site.
Clacton Children were evacuated during the war to other areas as Clacton was a restricted area.
Home Leisure Transport Business Mail/Advertising Events Tv/Radio Links