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Summary

An extensive complex of Second World War military structures and earthworks is visible on Braunton Burrows, north of Blue Slopes. The function of the complex is unknown, but it might in part be associated with a bombing decoy on the Burrows.

Location

Protected Status

• SHINE: Earthworks and structural remains of World War II military training features for D-Day Landings on Braunton Burrows

Other References/Statuses

• Old DCC SMR Ref: SS43NE/260/3
• SHINE Candidate (Yes)

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• MILITARY BUILDING (XVIII to XXI - 1751 AD to 2009 AD (Between))

Full description

Unknown, 1944, Roads and Training Aids: U.S. Assault Training Center (Un-published). SDV339604.

This feature is recorded, but un-identified on the original U.S. Army site plans.

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

An extensive complex of Second World War military structures and earthworks is visible

Royal Air Force, 1946, RAF/106G/UK/1501, 3005 (Aerial Photograph). SDV337198.

The structure is visible with additional features on the Royal Air Force 1946 aerial photograph. Other details: HER: 3/28.

Royal Air Force, 1949, RAF/541/402, NMR RAF/541/402 4042-4043 18-NOV-1949 (Aerial Photograph). SDV349942.

The walls appear damaged and several structures have been removed or demolished.

Royal Air Force, 1952, RAF/540/949, NMR RAF540/949 5041-5042 24-NOV-1952 (Aerial Photograph). SDV349761.

The walls appear low and no intact structures are visible.

Nature Conservancy Council, 1989, Braunton Burrows Habitat Map (Cartographic). SDV339613.

The visible features are recorded on the Braunton Burrows Habitat Map.

Bass, R. T., 1992, Spirits of the Sand (Monograph). SDV339609.

Wasley, G., 1994, Devon at War 1939-1945, 124, 128-130 (Monograph). SDV165766.

Horner, B., 1997, Untitled Source (Personal Comment). SDV339661.

Remains of three sides of low concrete platform/wall visible on a site visit.

Miller, D., 2006, World War Two Features Annotated onto Braunton Burrows Habitat Map (Cartographic). SDV339606.

A 'concrete structure' is annotated onto the Braunton Burrows Habitat Map.

Next Perspectives, 2007, Next Perspectives PGA Tile Ref:, Next Perspectives PGA Tile Ref: SS4535 04-MAY-2007 (Aerial Photograph). SDV349344.

Low earthwork banks are visible.

Collings, A. G. + Manning, P. T. + Valentin, J., 2007, The North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Phase 1. Archaeological Survey. Summary Report, No. 828 (Report - Assessment). SDV339712.

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

An extensive complex of Second World War military structures and earthworks is visible on Braunton Burrows, centred approximately on SS45613566, to the north of Blue Slopes. The function of the complex is unknown, but it might in part be associated with a bombing decoy on the Burrows. On aerial photographs of 1945 the complex can be seen to comprise several large structures, most notably an angular ‘c’ shaped wall circa 170 metres long. A 75 metre long wall faces the open side of the ‘c’ from a distance of circa 80 metres, to the south-east of which a rectangular structure stands. Between the two structures loops a narrow track or path which continues to loop around the north-western edge of the complex, enclosing it and another rectangular structure. A second rectangular structure is located at circa SS45583567, immediately to the north-west of the narrow track, and has been identified as the control shelter for a ‘Q’ decoy that operated on the Burrows. It is unclear whether the wider complex has any further association with the bombing decoy. In total the complex covers an area of circa 1.5 hectares.
By November 1949 the structure to the south-east of the complex has been levelled and overall the complex appears somewhat lower than in 1945. By November 1952 the complex appears increasingly eroded and no intact structures can be seen. By May 2007, the walls have been demolished and their former locations are visible only as low earthwork banks.

Sources / Further Reading

SDV165766	Monograph: Wasley, G.. 1994. Devon at War 1939-1945. Devon at War. Hardback Volume. 124, 128-130.
SDV337198	Aerial Photograph: Royal Air Force. 1946. RAF/106G/UK/1501. Royal Air Force Aerial Photograph. Photograph (Paper). 3005.
SDV339604	Un-published: Unknown. 1944. Roads and Training Aids: U.S. Assault Training Center. U.S. Plans from R.T.Bass. Mixed Archive Material + Digital.
SDV339606	Cartographic: Miller, D.. 2006. World War Two Features Annotated onto Braunton Burrows Habitat Map. Nature Conservancy Council. Photocopy.
SDV339609	Monograph: Bass, R. T.. 1992. Spirits of the Sand. Spirits of the Sand. Unknown.
SDV339613	Cartographic: Nature Conservancy Council. 1989. Braunton Burrows Habitat Map. Photocopy + Digital.
SDV339661	Personal Comment: Horner, B.. 1997. Not Applicable.
SDV339712	Report - Assessment: Collings, A. G. + Manning, P. T. + Valentin, J.. 2007. The North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Phase 1. Archaeological Survey. Summary Report. Exeter Archaeology Report. 06.22 (rev.1). A4 Stapled + Digital. No. 828.
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.
SDV349344	Aerial Photograph: Next Perspectives. 2007. Next Perspectives PGA Tile Ref:. Pan Government Agreement Aerial Photographs. Digital. Next Perspectives PGA Tile Ref: SS4535 04-MAY-2007.
SDV349761	Aerial Photograph: Royal Air Force. 1952. RAF/540/949. Royal Air Force Aerial Photograph. Photograph (Paper). NMR RAF540/949 5041-5042 24-NOV-1952.
SDV349942	Aerial Photograph: Royal Air Force. 1949. RAF/541/402. Royal Air Force Aerial Photograph. Photograph (Paper). NMR RAF/541/402 4042-4043 18-NOV-1949.

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV6132 - North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty NMP Project

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