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Summary

World War II fighter pen.

Location

Protected Status

• SHINE: Military structures; earthworks and archaeological remains of World War II, RAF Exeter and post medieval catchmeadows and orchard banks on footprint of modern Exeter Airport and to the east

Other References/Statuses

• SHINE Candidate (Yes)

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• BLAST PEN (World War II - 1939 AD to 1945 AD (Between))

Full description

Francis, P., 1999, Exeter Airport. Historic Airport Survey for Devon County Council & East Devon District Council, 85 (Report - non-specific). SDV323390.

One of two fighter pens of Type "B" (FCW 4513, 7161/41). Designed to house two twin-engined aircraft. Unlike pen 66 (Monument 78309), this pen is a standard example, without any ground defences. In fair condition. Other details: Site 67; Map 8.

Ordnance Survey, 2010, MasterMap (Cartographic). SDV344030.

Pillbox Study Group, 2012-2020, WWII Defence Sites, e10564 (Un-published). SDV357880.

Aircraft dispersal pen (type B). Protected dispersal area for fighter aircraft.

Davis, R. A., 2013, Exeter Skypark, RGF Site Clearance: Photographic Record of Exeter Airport’s Historic Runways, Taxiways and Aprons, 5; Fig 1, 2; Plates 9, 10, 46 (Report - Survey). SDV357037.

The two twin engined fighter pens were located within the area of the GRU and to the south and west of the main ‘CK’ and ‘DK’ flight areas. Study of aerial photographs has confirmed that they were constructed after May 1942. Fighter pen 66 had been demolished recently and fighter pen 67 is the subject of a programme of restoration and retention. Due to environmental issues, in the form of live badger sett and scrub coverage, fighter pen 67 was recorded from a distance.
Fighter pen 67 remains largely intact with its plan form discernable and central and rear arms intact. The low central brick wall was visible and the two entrances into the central shelter were also visible. The 1944 aerial photograph does not show any defended wall to the rear south-east side of the pen so it is likely that this feature remained un-defended. It is also likely that the two twin-engined fighter pens were used by the GRU.
It is likely, due to the increase in weight, that the twin engined fighter pens were constructed with a hardcore base and a tarmac surface. This surface was still visible within pen 67.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV4774 - Historic Airport Survey, Exeter Airport

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