Monument record MRM 111 - Possible World War II Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery and associated military features.

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Summary

A possible Heavy Anti-aircraft Artillery Battery and associated military features of Second World War date can be seen on aerial photographs, probably as earthworks, to the south-west of Woodbridge.

Location

Grid reference Centred TM 25370 48131 (211m by 328m)
Map sheet TM24NE
Civil Parish MARTLESHAM, SUFFOLK COASTAL, SUFFOLK

Map

Type and Period (3)

Full Description

A possible Heavy Anti-aircraft Artillery Battery and associated military features of Second World War date can be seen on aerial photographs, probably as earthworks, to the south-west of Woodbridge, centred approximately on TM253480. The battery consists of four possible earthwork gun emplacements in an arc formation, with a possible command post to the west, also possibly as earthworks. No guns are visible on the earliest available images from 1946 (S1). A number of large, sub-rectangular pits of unknown function can be seen circa 50-100 metres to the south-west. A possible air-raid shelter can be seen among these pits at circa TM25294804, and it is possible the remainder are partially completed or dismantled shelters. A structure to the southern end of the group may be an ammunition store. This battery was located here to provide anti-aircraft protection for Martlesham Heath Airfield. A probably associated Command Centre can be seen to the south-east (MRM 112). A possible bomb or impact crater can be seen to the north of the battery. (S2, S3)
Site of Second World War heavy anti aircraft battery at Martlesham. Three guns are known to have been mounted, although it was listed as unarmed in 1942, when it was manned by 387 Battery of the 121st Royal Artillery Regiment (S4).

Sources/Archives (4)

  • <S1> Photograph: RAF. Air Photograph. RAF 106G/UK/1635 4318-9 09-JUL-1946.
  • <S2> Photograph: RAF. Air Photograph. RAF 58/113 5288-9 30-AUG-1948.
  • <S3> Bibliographic reference: Dobinson, C.. 2001. AA Command: Britain's Anti-Aircraft Defences of the Second World War. p. 574.
  • <S4> Index: English Heritage. Pastscape. http://www.pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=1412159.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Oct 19 2013 12:59PM

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