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Summary

World War II sleeping shelter for 33 pilots.

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

• AIRFIELD SLEEPING SHELTER (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, 86 (Report - non-specific). SDV323390.

Sleeping shelter for pilots of Flight "DK" and the southern Flight of three fighter pens within the western perimeter track. Reinforced concrete framework and roof, with 13.5 inch permanent brick wall infilling. Bunks were arranged in 11 tiers of three. In fair condition. Other details: Site 72; Map 8.

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

Davis, R. A., 2014, Exeter Skypark, Devon, RGF Site Clearance and Landscaping: Historic Building Record, 5; Plate 1, 42, 43; Fig 2 (Report - Survey). SDV357036.

These structures were located to provide shelter for personnel belonging to each of the flights within a dispersal area. Francis describes these structures as the first design of a sleeping shelter. They were very strong and robust structures being able to withstand nearby bomb blast. Their construction was from a reinforced concrete framework and roof with 13.5 inch permanent brick wall infilling.
Internally, these structures had a narrow central walk-way with bunk beds arranged in bays down each side and in three tiers. Original light fittings survived and consisted of standard electrical iron conduit and circular light fittings. The original covers for the light fittings were missing.
It would appear that the sleeping shelters were originally heated. Each bay of bunk beds had a thin plated channel with vents at corresponding levels to each bunk. These features may be a later addition or up-grading, further research may indicate this.
Shelter 72 was intended for 33 personnel of Flight ‘CK’.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV4774 - Historic Airport Survey, Exeter Airport

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