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Summary

A small structure of probable Second World War date and military function is visible on Braunton Burrows on aerial photographs of 1945. It is not visible on later aerial photographs and a spread of concrete and steel debris is recorded in this location. It is probably the site of of Training Aid 51, part of the Second World War U.S. Army Assault Training Centre on Braunton 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

• SHINE Candidate (Yes)

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• STRUCTURE (World War II - 1939 AD to 1945 AD (Between))
• PILLBOX (ASSAULT TRAINING) (World War II - 1943 AD to 1945 AD)

Full description

Royal Air Force, 1945, RAF/106G/LA/102, NMR RAF/106G/LA/102 5019-5020 17-JAN-1945 (Aerial Photograph). SDV349060.

A small square structure is visible.

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

Visited 2009. At 4472134744 is small spread of concrete debris and a single steel reinforcing bar. These may derive from a large structure and probably represent remains of Training Aid 51. At 4475334757 is a single piece of steel bar.
Poor condition. Largely bureid.
Concrete and steel debris reported by Bass at SS4472534753 and SS4473934779 may represent the same site. Other details: Site 69, 76, 77.

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

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

A small structure of probable Second World War date and military function is visible on Braunton Burrows on aerial photographs of 1945. The possible structure appears to be a small square, possibly roofless structure, circa 3.5 metres across. It is s probably a mock-up of a German pillbox, more specifically training aid 51, part of the Second World War U.S. Army Assault Training Centre on Braunton Burrows. It is not visible on later aerial photographs and was probably demolished or destroyed by later military training in the years after the Second World War.

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. [Mapped feature: #104604 ]
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 5019-5020 17-JAN-1945.

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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