It will be a busy few weeks at Ramsgate Tunnels with events and tours.
VJ Day 80th anniversary
From August 15-17 the Tunnels will mark the 80th anniversary of VJ (Victory over Japan) Day. VJ Day marks the end of World War II in the Pacific theatre, when Japan surrendered to the Allied forces on August 15, 1945.
Ramsgate Tunnels has a small display within its museum commemorating Ken Almond, a man from Ramsgate who served with the 14th Army in Burma (Myanmar) and was declared missing in action in 1944.
HMS Relentless
The Tunnels will also welcome Joe Ellwood from the HMS Relentless Association, who will be bringing his pop-up display to the site. He will be on hand to share the story of HMS Relentless, a frigate that served in South East Asia during the Second World War, covering her history and life on board.
The HMS Relentless Association will be in Ramsgate Tunnels from Friday 15 August until Sunday 17th August with a model of the ship and personal stories of life on board during the campaign in the Far East. You will also find a wealth of other information about RELENTLESS: incidents from WW2, the 1945 Mutiny, and the 1954 collision with HMS VIGILANT. What was a Bahamas, or a Beira Patrol like, and why did we do them?
The Long Road to Peace: Ramsgate and VJ Day
Tunnels Historian, Isaac Naylor, will be giving a free talk on Sunday 17th August at 4:30pm: ‘The Long Road to Peace: Ramsgate and VJ Day.’
Eighty years after Victory Over Japan Day heralded the end of the Second World War, this commemorative display and talk reflects on Ramsgate’s connection to a theatre of the conflict often overlooked. Drawing on newly researched biographical accounts, the talk will honour the lives of local servicemen who fought – and fell – in Southeast Asia, and explore how their sacrifice, and the wider impact of the conflict, shaped the life of the town.
This poignant anniversary offers not only a moment to honour the fallen but also an opportunity to understand the far-reaching impact of global conflict on local lives.
Although tickets are free, please book your place.
This talk deals with adult themes and may not be suitable for a younger audience.
To book tickets, follow this link: https://ramsgatetunnels.merlintickets.co.uk/product/EVNT00001
Air Raid Siren
The 85th anniversary of air raids on Ramsgate on August 24 will be marked with the Tunnels sounding its Air Raid Siren at intervals throughout the day. There will also be a small display to honour and remember those who lost their lives in the town.
Air raid soundings at:
Warning rise and fall 10.10am, 11.25am, 12.45pm
All clear (continuous) 11.10am, 12.20pm, 5.35pm
Living history
The same day the Tunnels will host an immersive experience as Ramsgate relives the air raids of 24th August 1940. With living history reenactors and expert guides, you’ll discover what life was like during WWII – from the moment the sirens sounded to taking shelter deep underground.
Explore the historic tunnels that once protected the town’s residents and learn about their vital role during the Blitz. With limited places (just 20 per session), this event offers a powerful glimpse into the resilience of wartime Britain.
The experience involves climbing fixed ladders and is not suitable for children under 7. Runs in all weather – dress appropriately. Booking essential.
To find out more and to book follow this link: https://ramsgatetunnels.merlintickets.co.uk/product/E00030
Trains return to Ramsgate Tunnels
On Sunday 7th September the Canterbury and District Model Engineering Society is bringing trains back to Ramsgate Harbour with a special event along the promenade outside Ramsgate Tunnels, marking Rail 200 – the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.
As part of the celebrations, visitors can enjoy a free model railway exhibition inside the historic railway tunnel for one day only. The family-friendly event offers a nostalgic nod to Ramsgate’s rich railway heritage and promises something for railway enthusiasts of all ages.
Further details on the event can be found on CADMES’s website here: C&DMES: Trains Return to Ramsgate Harbour
Railway Tours
After a short break Railway Tours are also steaming back onto the calendar. Visitors can enjoy a fully guided walk through the entire length of the historic 1863 mainline railway tunnel with, circumstances permitting, the change to venture into the 1936 narrow-gauge railway branch tunnel.
This summer’s programme includes a single tour on 23 August at 11am, followed by two tours on 7 September, at 11am and 2.30pm.
Deep Tunnel Shelter Explorer Tours will continue to run as normal alongside these tours.
To find out more and to book go to: https://ramsgatetunnels.merlintickets.co.uk/product/SIE000004
Overground Underground Tour
The Overground Underground Tour on September 13 is a guided walk above and below ground, following the route of Ramsgate’s famous wartime Tunnels. Hidden entrances and features of interest above ground will be pointed out along the way, and below ground, you will follow in the footsteps of those who rushed for cover during the Second World War, descending into the Tunnels via an original public entrance.
This tour takes place once a month during the summer and the September tour is the last of the season.
Details at: https://www.ramsgatetunnels.org/overground-underground-tour/
I sometimes wonder how we fought and won a war! We can’t even stop dinghy’s in the channel.im certain that if we had a threat of invasion today,many NIMBY’s asylum lovers ect would be on the white cliffs, shouting they have a right to invade.
My dad who fought in ww2 would be turing in his grave.