Dover's unique position only 22 miles
from the French coast thrust her into the front line
during the Second World War, when her traditional role
of guardian of the Straits was never more greatly tested.
The town stood as a symbol of Britain's defiance in
the face of Nazi hostility and quickly earned her the
title of "Hellfire Corner" as she bore the brunt of
enemy shelling. The White Cliffs of Dover came to symbolise
the hopes for peace, as summed up in the famous wartime
song.
