Monument record 7138/0/1 - C20th Bombing Range, east of Wadenhoe Little Wood

Bombing range used by the RAF Operational Training Units (OUT's).

{1} Bombing ranges were used by the RAF Operational Training Units (OUT's). They utilised the ranges established in open countryside including at night. "Known ranges include …. Pilton …. ….. Bearshanks Wood, near Brigstock" (centre SP99408600) The actual target at each range was a white circle, and two observation towers overlooked the target area. From these towers, bearings were taken as the 4lb flash bombs exploded, enabling the position to be fixed. Results could be sent direct to the aircraft by means of a radio transmitter installed in one of the towers. On occasion the odd bomb did drop outside the range altogether…". Photo shows a tower photographed in 1980 standing near the Everdon to Preston Capes road.Gibson's description may indicate the existence of two ranges though it is perhaps more likely that the references to Pilton and Bearshank Wood refer to the one range. Was this located in the Lyveden valley area, perhaps extending into Brigstock and Benefield parishes?

{2} Location of British bombing range confirmed by S Hall with information from the local residents. The main part of the range lay in farmland in a largely uninhabited shallow valley between Wadenhow Little Wood to the west and Coppice Lodge to the east…Concrete markers (now removed) reputedly once indicated the main target area. Local gamekeeper recollects that on at lest one occasion American aircraft (?illicity) used the range and in doing so destroyed the concrete markers. A small "nissen type" hut associated with the range reportedly survives near the latter (not seen). Part of the casing of an American wartime incendiary is reputed to lie in a nearby length of ditch. Hall reports that the location of 3 USAF practice bombs known locally, one being in a field barn. Smaller British practice bombs have also reportedly been found in the area. None were observed during the field visit. A temporary brick type structure at Coppice Lodge may be of wartime origin? Local information suggests that the main access to the range was via the Pilton to Pilton Lodge road.

<1> Gibson M.L., 1982, Aviation In Northamptonshire: An Illustrated History, p.176 (unchecked) (Book). SNN100276.

<2> HALL, 1997, CORRESPONDENCE, (unchecked) (Notes). SNN47525.

<3> CADMAN G.E.; ELLISON M., 1997, SMR REPORT FORM, (unchecked) (Uncertain). SNN53983.

Record last edited

Sep 24 2024 12:59PM