Historic England research records

Historic England Research Records

Naval Bombing Decoy N8/hu5
Hob Uid: 1459683
Location : East Riding of Yorkshire Paull
Grid Ref : TA2100022700
Summary : A Second World War bombing decoy located at Thorney Crofts. It was built as part of the 'N-series' of naval decoys to deflect enemy bombing from Royal Navy installations on the Humber estuary. The site operated a 'Permanent Starfish' and 'QL' decoy. The 'Permanent Starfish' decoy operated by setting alight a series of controlled fires during an air raid to replicate a military or dockland area targeted by bombs. The 'QL' night decoy consisted of a grid of muted lights set out around man-made ponds to resemble the glow of lights shining on water that would be present at Hull docklands. The site is referenced as being in use between August 1941 and March 1942. A ground survey in 1992 revealed that a control building survived in good condition at the site (at TA 198 236), and the remains of concrete pads and structures resembling the layout of the docks was also present.
More information : A Second World War 'Permanent Starfish' and 'QL' bombing decoy site located at Thorney Crofts (TA 210 227). It was constructed as part of the 'N-series' of naval decoys to deflect enemy bombing from Royal Navy installations on the Humber. It is referenced as being in use between 01-AUG-1941 and 12-MAR-1942. Further 'N-series'bombing decoys for the Humber were located at Bilton (TA 161 317), Paull (TA 188 240), Little Humber (TA 197 237), Ganstead (TA 139 340), Immingham Range (TA 235 136), East Halton (TA 138 231), Humberston (TA 333 057) and Grimsby (TA 331 061). (1) A ground survey by FSG and RCHME in 1992 showed that a control building survived at the site in good condition at TA 198 236. Evidence of concrete pads and structures resembling the layout of docks was also present. (2) NGR concords with that given in source 1. (3)

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Monument Types:

Monument Period Name : Second World War
Display Date : Second World War
Monument End Date : 1945
Monument Start Date : 1941
Monument Type : Bombing Decoy, Starfish Site
Evidence : Destroyed Monument, Documentary Evidence

Components and Objects:

Related Records from other datasets:

External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : TA 22 SW 13
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Relationship type : General association

Related Activities :

Associated Activities :
Activity type : MEASURED SURVEY
Start Date : 2008-01-01
End Date : 2009-12-31

Historic England Research Records

Naval Bombing Decoy N8/hu5