Monument record SSA 016 - Stratford St Andrew, Auxiliary Unit Operational Base (WW2)

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Summary

Underground nissen-type hut extended to form storage chambers and an escape tunnel. [Information May 2000 from William Ward says the site has been recently excavated].

Location

Grid reference TM 347 598 (point)
Map sheet TM35NW
Civil Parish STRATFORD ST ANDREW, SUFFOLK COASTAL, SUFFOLK

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

At N edge of wood, near pheasant pen. Underground nissen-type hut extended to form storage chambers and an escape tunnel.
[Information May 2000 from William Ward says the site has been recently excavated].
There is a small cave-like chamber, presumably used for storage, built into the south-west corner.
The OB measures 5 x 3.30 metres approx and is orientated NNE/SSW - 75 ft ASL
The structure is in good condition with only minor signs of corrosion. What appears to have been a passage adjoining at the north-eastern end has collapsed and exposed the upper edge of the curved roof as well as part of the entrance (or exit). It seems to have been blocked at sometime in the past by using the original corrugated sheets.
A small hole at the foot of a tree leads down into the chamber at its north-western end, and sandy soil is sliding into the chamber from here. This hole was in all probability created by burrowing rabbits and is too small for use as human access.
The entrance cover is described to have been a tray made from wood that was filled with soil for camouflage.
Both interior earthen end walls are stabilised/covered with corrugated iron sheets. There is an emergency exit passage with compartments for storage at the end of the main chamber, at a slight angle.
The materials used for constructing the OB were corrugated iron sheets and wood, we did not see any concrete or brickwork. A video clip made about 10 years ago shows that the curved roof of the main chamber is resting on concrete plinths. The chamber has since silted up, considerably raising the floor level and covering the plinths under layers of sand (S2).

Sources/Archives (2)

  • <S1> Digital archive: Defence of Britain Project archive. UORN: S0006462.
  • <S2> Digital archive: http://www.coleshillhouse.com. http://www.coleshillhouse.com/stratford-st.-andrew-auxiliary-unit-patrol.php.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (0)

Record last edited

Jul 4 2018 2:22PM

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