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Summary

Extensive trackways of probable Second World War date and military function are visible as earthworks on aerial photographs of 1945, crossing Braunton Burrows. They are probably infrastructure within the U.S. Army’s Second World War Assault Training Centre on the Burrows, possibly parts of, or connected to, the route known as the American Road.

Location

Protected Status

• SHINE: Earthworks and structural remains of World War II military training features for D-Day Landings on Braunton Burrows and nineteenth century reclaimed field system on Braunton Marsh NW of Horsey Island

Other References/Statuses

• SHINE Candidate (Yes)

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• ROAD (World War II - 1943 AD to 1945 AD)

Full description

Royal Air Force, 1945, RAF/106G/UK/957, NMR RAF/106G/UK/957 4022-4023 30-OCT-1945 (Aerial Photograph). SDV349054.

Temporary tracks and roads are visible as earthworks and possible structures. Map object based on this source.

Royal Air Force, 1946, RAF/106G/UK/1501, NMR RAF/106G/UK/1501 3004-3005 13-MAY-1946 (Aerial Photograph). SDV349927.

Temporary tracks and roads are visible as earthworks and possible structures. Map object based on this source.

Passmore, A. J., 2009, Braunton Burrows Higher Level Environmental Stewardship Scheme. Archaeological Survey 2009 (Report - Survey). SDV344652.

Hegarty, C. + Knight, S., 2011-2012, North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty National Mapping Programme Project (Interpretation). SDV349018.

Three sections of trackway of probable Second World War date and military function are visible as earthworks on aerial photographs of 1945, crossing Braunton Burrows. They are probably sections of infrastructure within the U.S. Army’s Second World War Assault Training Centre on the Burrows, possibly parts of the route known as the American Road. The tracks were probably the main route of military traffic across this section of the Burrows. However, they appear to correspond only in part with trackways visible on recent aerial photographs and perhaps were probably superseded following the war as the need to avoid certain areas of military training activity passed. Other sections of Second World War trackway have been recorded to the west, south and north, some of which have remained partly in use. Only those sections of trackway or road which do not remain in use and are not depicted on the current Ordnance Survey base map have been transcribed.

Sources / Further Reading

SDV344652	Report - Survey: Passmore, A. J.. 2009. Braunton Burrows Higher Level Environmental Stewardship Scheme. Archaeological Survey 2009. Exeter Archaeology Report. 09.113. A4 Stapled + Digital.
SDV349018	Interpretation: Hegarty, C. + Knight, S.. 2011-2012. North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty National Mapping Programme Project. AC Archaeology Report. ACD383/2/1. Digital.
	Linked documents:1
SDV349054	Aerial Photograph: Royal Air Force. 1945. RAF/106G/UK/957. Royal Air Force Aerial Photograph. Photograph (Paper). NMR RAF/106G/UK/957 4022-4023 30-OCT-1945.
SDV349927	Aerial Photograph: Royal Air Force. 1946. RAF/106G/UK/1501. Royal Air Force Aerial Photograph. Photograph (Paper). NMR RAF/106G/UK/1501 3004-3005 13-MAY-1946.

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV4737 - Stewardship Scheme Archaeological Survey, Braunton Burrows
• EDV6132 - North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty NMP Project (Ref: ACD383/2/1)

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