 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 . 
