A SOMERSET archaeologist has discovered a previously unrecorded WWII bunker in North Devon - while eating fish and chips on the beach.   

David Etheridge, who is the programme manager for the Foundation Degree (FdA) in History, Heritage and Archaeology at Strode College, noticed a concrete structure at the foot of the cliffs at Saunton Sands while on holiday. 

He set off to explore and realised it was part of a ruined bunker guarding the beach. 

David said: "I knew Saunton Sands was used by the US military in preparation for D-Day, and instantly suspected it was part of their training ground. I wanted to know more, so when I got back, I looked it up, but to my surprise found nothing, so I contacted the local archaeologists."

Around 10,000 American soldiers used beaches, estuaries and sand dunes in North Devon to prepare for the D-Day landings, which saw Allied troops invade German-occupied France on June 6, 1944 in the largest seaborne invasion in history. 

Now, Devon County Council has confirmed the site will be added to their Historic Environment Record, along with David's photographs.

"If I hadn't spotted this, in a few years it would have fallen into the sea and no-one would have been any the wiser, I'm very pleased I found it," said David.

"The Normandy landings continue to be an important part of our national consciousness, and this small structure played a significant role in ensuring D-Day was a success."

David is the Programme Manager for Strode College’s History, Heritage & Archaeology Foundation Degree.

For more details, visit the college’s website at www.strode-college.ac.uk.