Monument record 8126 - H1 Weldon (WWII Military Site)

Site of a Second World War heavy anti aircraft battery at Weldon, which was mounted with four 3.7-inch static guns, and was manned by 517 (Mixed) Battery of the 136th Royal Artillery Regiment in 1942.

{1} Specific reference to this site named as `H1 Weldon' established, along with another HAA site (Corby - Rockingham) for defence of Corby. Identified as being armed with 4 x 3.7 inch guns but no radar. Gazetteer places the battery as having been in use 25.5.1942 - 22.6.1942.

OS 6 Inch Map (1964) depicts the site of the battery at c.SP93348910 (centre). This is annoted as 'Camp (Dis)'. It comprises the distinctive HAA pattern of a semi-circle of four gun pits with one structure, almost certainly the command post. Identification is confirmed from air photos taken in 1942; refs: 6054, 6055, 6072 & 6073 HLA/419 13/3/42 1PRU. F/5". The four gun pits are clearly visible. Ammunition magazines may also be discernable. The rectangular command post with service road, is also clearly visible. The gun sites are now under arable cultivation. There is no visible survival.

The accommodation area lay a short distance to the west and comprised at least thirteen structures grouped along the north-west and south-west margins of the field (centre cSP93208910). Identification is confirmed from air photos taken in 1942; refs: 6054, 6055, 6072 & 6073 HLA/419 13/3/42 1PRU. F/5". At least 25 huts are present in the accommodation area. The accommodation area is now under a housing development. There is no visible survival.

{4} On north side of access road (at SP 9318 8915) are three low concrete rings or kerbs set around bushes/ shrubs. This was formerly occupied by the HAA battery hutting. Might the kerbs be associated in some way with the gun site?

<1> DOBINSON C.;, 1996, Twentieth Century Fortifications in England, Volume 1: Anti-Aircraft Artillery 1914-46, p. 344 (Report). SNN40730.

<2> 1942, Photographs, (unchecked) (Photographs). SNN51674.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1967, 1950s/60s Ordnance Survey 6 Inch Mapping Series (SP98NW), (unchecked) (Map). SNN34173.

<4> Cadman, G., 2003, Former Weldon HAA Site, (checked) (Note). SNN107565.

Record last edited

Feb 10 2025 7:50PM