Find Spot record 8564/2/0 - Remains of WWII Anti-Aircraft Battery (Not In-Situ)

{1} "…been told by a few people that an anti aircraft gun stood on the high southern edge of Badby Woods and have even spoken to the man responsible for rolling the metal shield from the gun down the hill… it is described as having been a gun with a metal shield standing on a concrete base in a pit, which local children played on." (Exact location to be determined.)

{2} Remains at SP56425806 and SP56425799. Photographed. Original location unknown. "The site was reported as a shield for an anti aircraft gun which stood on a concrete base in a pit at the top of the slope. This has been pushed down the hill by the local children and broke into two pieces. SP56425806 is a square angle framework which sits on a heavy steel ring about 4 1/2 ft across. At SP5642/5799 is another ring, possibly the base of the other section, and a collection of rusty steel sheet." Bad condition.

{3} Two lots of iron/metal work present in the woods a short distance apart. One comprises a box-like angle iron bolter metal framework or cage with tooth geared attached ring, the other a collection of more fragmentary pieces including a large circular metal ring or plate. Both photographed. Remains subsequently confirmed by B. Lowry as part of tank turret gunnery trainer. The metal ring formed the base of the turret set over the rectangular base, representing the tank body/skeleton.

{4} BL identified similar apparatus pictures in an HMSO publication, c.1944, 'The Royal Armoured Corps'. BL wrote in a letter "The photo etc suggests that the turret etc was originally housed in a building - but where?... It would be nice if it could be preserved as there cannot be many surviving, if at all. It is not clear from the original what the turret sides are made of - they could be canvas attatched to a metal frame.

{5} Photo showing a similar tank turret trainer found in North Yorkshire.

<1> Armishaw A., 1999, CORRESPONDENCE, (unchecked) (Letter). SNN48092.

<2> Armishaw A., 1999, DEFENCE OF BRITAIN REPORT FORMS, (unchecked) (Notes). SNN51515.

<3> CADMAN G.E., 1999, SMR REPORT FORM, (unchecked) (Notes). SNN49654.

<4> LOWRY B, 1999, CORRESPONDENCE, (unchecked) (Letter). SNN43515.

<5> LOWRY B, 1999, CORRESPONDENCE, (unchecked) (Notes). SNN43516.

Record last edited

Nov 7 2012 4:22PM