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Summary

A rectangular structure visible on aerial photographs of the 1940s onwards is probably the site of Training Aid 47, as depicted on a U.S. Army plan of the Second World War Assault Training Centre on Braunton Burrows. It is partially covered with sand in the 1950s but probable natural erosion has since re-exposed ruinous walls, visible on aerial photographs in 2007. These were recorded as concrete faces during a ground survey in 2009.

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

A small rectangular structure is visible.

Royal Air Force, 1946, RAF/106G/UK/1501, NMR RAF/106G/UK/1501 3003-3004 13-MAY-1946 (Aerial Photograph). SDV349927.

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

Royal Air Force, 1956, RAF/540/1768, NMR RAF/540/1768 0016-0017 03-JAN-1956 (Aerial Photograph). SDV349763.

The outline of the feature is visible, within a sandy mound with some scrub growth.

Next Perspectives, 2007, Next Perspectives PGA Tile Ref:, Next Perspectives PGA Tile Ref: SS4435 04-May-2007 (Aerial Photograph). SDV349344.

A small rectangular structure is visible.

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

Visited 2009. Site (concrete faces - Training Aid 47) originally recorded on HER as part of Monument 74013. At NGR 4467735447 is large concrete structure measuring 4.5 metres x 4.5 metres x 1.5 metres high. Constructed in several parts, possibly rebuilt, using reinforced concrete. Evidence of both wood and corrugated iron shuttering and impressions of sandbags. The former reflect rebuilding and show the stratigraphy. Function unknown. Possible pillbox or machine gun nest.
Very good condition. Now incorporated into a mound. Some military vehicle driver training nearby, but structure is obvious and can be avoided. Other details: Site 54.

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 4.5 metres square in size is visible on aerial photographs of October 1945 and May 1946 centred on circa SS44673544. The structure is probably the site of Training Aid 47, one of several such training aids depicted in this area on a U.S. Army plan of the Second World War Assault Training Centre on Braunton Burrows. In aerial photographs taken in the 1950s the structure is visible in outlline within a sandy, scrubby mound, which could perhaps account for its survival. In later years the structure has been exposed, presumably due to sand erosion, and it is visible in a ruinous state on digital interactive images derived from aerial photographs taken in May 2007.

Sources / Further Reading

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
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: SS4435 04-May-2007.
SDV349763	Aerial Photograph: Royal Air Force. 1956. RAF/540/1768. Royal Air Force Aerial Photograph. Photograph (Paper). NMR RAF/540/1768 0016-0017 03-JAN-1956.
SDV349927	Aerial Photograph: Royal Air Force. 1946. RAF/106G/UK/1501. Royal Air Force Aerial Photograph. Photograph (Paper). NMR RAF/106G/UK/1501 3003-3004 13-MAY-1946.

Associated Monuments: none recorded

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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