Monument record 7113/0/1 - WWII bombing decoy, south-west of Woodford

A Second World War bombing decoy site south-west of Woodford. It was built as part of the 'C-series' of civil decoys for Kettering and environs to deflect enemy bombing. This was a 'QL' decoy, which displayed simulated marshalling yard lights, locomotive glows and factory lighting that would be present at Islip. The site is referenced as being in use up until 1943. Aerial photography from 1971 shows that the site had been given over to agricultural use and no features of the decoy survive.

{1}'QL' site, to simulate specific targets by night (QL lights) for Kettering (with another QL & QF site at Cranford). These were smaller decoys than the Starfish during WW2. Further details of the operation of QL & QF sites in Gibson p89-90.

{2} The report gazetteer makes specific reference to this C Series (civil) decoy (a QL site) on p128 & 135. The report also contains detailed descriptions of the decoy type (summarised in part 4 of this report). The QL target was Kettering, 'Islip factory' with MY lights, factory lights and loco glows at the QL decoy. The QL site identified in the gazetteer as being in use at least 2.10.1942 - 1.5.1943. Note that site decoy was one of two for Kettering, the other being at Cranford for Kettering station.

<1> Gibson M.L., 1982, Aviation In Northamptonshire: An Illustrated History, (unchecked) (Book). SNN100276.

<2> DOBINSON C.; DENISON S., 1996, Twentieth Century Fortifications in England: Bombing Decoys of World War Two, p.128+135 (unchecked) (Report). SNN40623.

<3> Cadman G., 1998-9, Northamptonshire Bombing Decoys, p. 139-142 (Article). SNN104042.

Record last edited

Jun 5 2026 1:33PM