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Summary

Training Aid 33 recorded on plans of the Second World War US Assault Training Centre on Braunton Burrows, and visible on aerial photographs taken in 1945 and 1946. This is one of three similar structures in the proximity likely to be mock pillboxes. The structure is not visible on later available aerial photographs, so it is likely to have been demolished or obscured by shifting dunes in the immediate post-war period.

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

• SHINE Candidate (Yes)

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• PILLBOX (ASSAULT TRAINING) (World War II - 1939 AD to 1945 AD (Between))

Full description

Royal Air Force, 1945, RAF/106G/LA/102, NMR RAF/106G/LA/102 5015-5016 17-JAN-1945 (Aerial Photograph). SDV349060.

A small structure is visible. Map object based on this source.

Royal Air Force, 1946, RAF/106G/UK/1655, NMR RAF/106G/1655 4195-4196 11-JUL-1946 (Aerial Photograph). SDV349996.

The structure is visible.

Bass, R. T., 1996, Guide to the US Assault Training Centre North Devon, 27 (Un-published). SDV325695.

Training Aid 33 at the foot of Clematis Hill, near the valley leading to Pontoon Plan.

Bass, R. T., 2005, Spirits of the Sand: Field Edition, 37-38 (Monograph). SDV325697.

Large remnants of concrete surface rubble and steel were found at Training Aid 33 at SS45973291.

Passmore, A. + Knight, S., 2009, Farm Environment Plan (FEP), Updated Spreadsheet of Archaeological Sites (Un-published). SDV344664.

Visited 2009. Training Aid 33. Two low mounds in a slack, approximately 20 metres apart. In this area are small fragments of reinforced concrete, steel bars (from reinforcing) and stone scree, all deriving from at least one, and probably two, demolished structures.
Condition poor but stable. Some erosion due to animal burrowing, exposing debris. Other details: Site 68.

Unknown, 2010, Farm Environment Plan (FEP), Shapefiles of Archaeological Sites (Un-published). SDV344665.

Map object based on this Source.

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

A small structure circa 4 metres square is visible on aerial photographs taken in 1945 and 1946. This is one of three similar structures in the proximity and is probably Training Aid 33 as depicted on U.S. Army plans of the Second World War military training area. It is likely to be a mock pillbox. The structure is not visible on later available aerial photographs, so it is likely to have been demolished or obscured by shifting dunes in the immediate post-war period; concrete debris in the vicinity may be the remains of this structure.

Sources / Further Reading

SDV325695	Un-published: Bass, R. T.. 1996. Guide to the US Assault Training Centre North Devon. Manuscript. 27.
SDV325697	Monograph: Bass, R. T.. 2005. Spirits of the Sand: Field Edition. Spirits of the Sand. A5 Paperback. 37-38.
SDV344664	Un-published: Passmore, A. + Knight, S.. 2009. Farm Environment Plan (FEP), Updated Spreadsheet of Archaeological Sites. Exeter Archaeology Report. Digital.
SDV344665	Un-published: Unknown. 2010. Farm Environment Plan (FEP), Shapefiles of Archaeological Sites. Exeter Archaeology Report. 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
SDV349060	Aerial Photograph: Royal Air Force. 1945. RAF/106G/LA/102. Royal Air Force Aerial Photograph. Photograph (Paper). NMR RAF/106G/LA/102 5015-5016 17-JAN-1945.
SDV349996	Aerial Photograph: Royal Air Force. 1946. RAF/106G/UK/1655. Royal Air Force Aerial Photograph. Photograph (Paper). NMR RAF/106G/1655 4195-4196 11-JUL-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

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