The Isle of Wight became an important staging location for the Allied efforts to invade France during the Second World War. By October 1942, the castle was occupied by the British Admiralty and became the senior officer's headquarters of the HQ Naval Commander Force "J" Landing Craft base, known as HMS Vectis. The force's vessels docked in the nearby Solent, and took part in the D-Day landings. The castle was damaged during the German bombing raids on the island.