Building record 8645/1/1 - Command Post (Banbury HAA site)

{1} The cable ducts for the four holdfasts run towrds a small rectagular feature which can be seen both on AP and geophysical survey. This appears to be set in such a way as to blend in with the direction of the ridge and furrow. This may well have been the command post, although close examination of the AP to the southeast of Gun 4 holdfast suggests that some structure may have existed at this point also. The spot corresponds to the strangley quiet area of the magnetometer survey where even the ridge and furrow is absent.

{3} This earthwork measures very approx. 14m by 8m with an absence of any observed brick or concrete components. According to Dobinson improvised types of command post design were in use in the early stages of WW2. These were superceded by at least 5 formal 4.5in/3.7in command post designs, the latter normally involving use of concrete blast walls, concrete sections of trench shelter or other hard components. Development of such posts was led by the growing sophistication of HAA gunnery and the increasing complexity of fire-control methods, with for example visual target plotting being replaced by the use of radar. It is unclear whether the earthworks at Chacombe represent either an improvised site or one of the later designs and whether if indeed intended as a command post, the structure was ever completed and operated. The absence of any readily available discernable brick or concrete elements may point to its being improvised, unfinished and /or demolished.

<1> Catherall, P. D., 2003, Banbury Flood Alleviation Scheme: Annexe A, (checked) (Report). SNN103349.

<2> Catherall P.D., 2003, Banbury Flood Alleviation Scheme: Win Areas RA2 & RA3, (checked) (Report). SNN103350.

<3> Cadman, G., 2003, H1 Hanwell- WW2 Banbury GDA HAA Site, Chacombe, Northamptonshire, (checked) (Notes). SNN103367.

Record last edited

Nov 21 2008 12:41PM