I was discussing this with someone recently and we couldn't agree....

Was a section of Bournemouth Pier removed during the second world war to stop German landings?

Yes - on the 5th July 1940, both Bournemouth and Boscombe piers had 60 foot blown out of their middles by the Royal Engineers!
The gaps were further extended, to 120 feet, a few days later.
This was only one of the many measures taken in the summer of 1940, when the threat of a German invasion was high - cafes knocked down to improve fields of fire -concrete 'dragon's teeth' obstacles on the zigzags - scaffolding in the sea -anti aircraft and machine guns on the cliffs - inflammable liquids to set the sea and beach on fire - the list goes on.
At the time, the perceived threat of invasion was very real,although, as we now know, the actual likelihood was pretty remote.
But it must have been pretty scary at the time!

Thanks for the info Rogs, don't suppose you know of any photos of the Pier in that state?

I only have a couple of photos in my little collection, and I'm afraid they're not very good quality.

I did look at posting them straight to the site, but I remember trying to post an image in the past, and having to admit defeat with the software!

I have posted the 2 images here and here, if you're interested.

Those pics are fab, never seen them before!