NHER 38836 (Monument record) - World War Two gun emplacement and buildings

October 2004. Norfolk NMP.
A group of World War Two defensive structures, including a possible gun emplacement and two small rectangular military structures, are visible on aerial photographs to the east of Gangway and old Coastguard Station, Cromer (S1 to S2). The site is centred on TG 2218 4215. This cliffs and beach to the east of the Gangway were very heavily defended in World War Two, with two pillboxes and scaffolding on the promenade (NHER 32576, 38832-3) and a group of four pillboxes on the cliff top (NHER 38835).

At TG 2217 4215 is a circular of hard standing or concrete base with a semi-circular raised area at the back visible on vertical aerial photographs from 1941 (S1). An oblique aerial photograph taken on the same day does not show the structure particularly clearly, although similar characteristics can be made out (S2). The central feature does not appear to have very much height, which may indicate that it is semi-sunken, or that the structure is still under construction. This may also be indicated by the disturbed ground around the site. The circular base may indicate that this is or will be a gun emplacement with a central gun holdfast. Construction was started between October 1940 (S3) and August 1941 (S1 to S2) and the structure has been demolished or moved by June 1942 (S4). Two small rectangular structures are visible 12m to the east, the largest measuring 1.5m by 1m. It is assumed that these are military in origin.
S. Massey (NMP), 08 October 2004.