NHER 38910 (Monument record) - World War Two military training site

October 2004. Norfolk NMP.
A World War Two military site located on Howards Hill, Cromer, is visible on aerial photographs (S1 to S5). This area of rough higher ground was used as a military training site, consisting of many slit trenches and weapons pits, and the location for a variety of defensive positions, including at least three pillboxes and several spigot mortar emplacements (some of these are recorded individually under NHER 31542 and 32574 to 5). The site is centred on TG 2092 4208. Very few definite military features can be distinguished on the 1940 oblique aerial photographs covering the site, although they are extremely oblique and poor quality (S1). However the large L shaped pillbox (NHER 32574) is possibly visible in the distance and traces of barbed wire may be visible to the north of the hill and it is likely that the area is already in use as a defensive and training site by this point.

By August 1941 the whole of the northern half of the hill (the only area visible in aerial photographs) is covered by a multitude of practice trenches and weapons pits (S2). This have been mapped as an extent of area on the NMP map. The most prominent feature is a large oval mound at TG 2094 4214, which appears to be relatively recent. On later aerial photographs (S5) this is the location of a 4m square pillbox with blast wall to the north. This is interpreted as a type 20 pillbox, which was camouflaged during the early years of the war. Also visible in 1941 is an structure or additional pillbox at TG 2100 4214. This is 6m long and as visible is L shaped, however part of the structure may be obscured by vegetation, either natural or artificial camouflage. 12m to the east of this is an L-shaped structure of unknown function, although both structures appear to be defending the eastern entrance to the Hill. These two structures are not visible on aerial photographs later than 1941. Also visible in 1941 is a possible spigot mortar emplacement at TG 2083 4221, although a definite identification is not possible due to vegetation.

At the centre of the hill is an L shaped pillbox (NHER 32574). A meandering slit trench runs from this pillbox towards two earthwork gun emplacements centred on TG 2095 4208 (S4). Both are approximately rectangular, measuring 5m by 4m, and the surrounding banks are open to the south. The type 20 pillbox located on the southern face of the hill (NHER 32575) also becomes a focus the weapons pit digging. To the north at TG 2084 4208 is a second possible spigot mortar emplacement, which consists of the circular gun pit and base, with a conjoined V-shaped trench, giving the emplacement the appearance of a tuning fork (S4). Also visible in 1946, on the western face of the hill, is a curvilinear section of slit trench, which has a central pit, within which a small circular structure is visible, which may be another spigot mortar or similar gun emplacement.

Barbed wire obstructions are visible to the northern slope of the hill in 1941 and by 1946 these can be seen to traverse much of the northern and southern extents of the military site, in particular towards the railway line to the south (S4). The point at which one of these lines of barbed wire leads down towards the railway trackway, there appear to be a series of parallel lines running across the actual trackway at TG 2090 4194. A further line of barbed wire then appears to run up the opposite side of the railway cut. It is possible that these lines across the trackway could be a sign of relatively recent repair to the line, however the relationship with the barbed wire could suggest that the railway line was blocked at this point. To the north of this are of southern area of barbed wire at TG 2096 4199 is rectangular area of disturbed ground or possible concrete base, suggestion the former location of a defensive structure. At TG 2100 4207 is similar rectangular, possibly concrete base, 8m by 4.5m. To the immediate east of this is an area of small practice trenches and weapons pits.

Running along the southern extent of the hill in 1946 is a possible zigzag section of trench, although it is hard to distinguish whether this is just a trackway through the vegetation with the appearance of a slit trench.

On the BKS aerial photographs from 1959 some clearance has taken place on the hill and the vegetation is quite low (S5). In theses conditions further possible elements of the military site may be visible, although due to the later date of the images is it harder to definite identify them as being military. Centred on TG 2098 4214 is a possible group of small structures of unknown function. Also at TG 2088 4204 is a square walled or fenced area, measuring 5.5m across. This may be faintly visible in 1946 although it not definite. A large area to the north west of the site has been partially cleared, centred on TG 2084 4216, within which are the slight earthworks of further weapons pits and practice trenches (defined by an extent of area on the NMP map, unless the feature was particularly substantial.
S. Massey (NMP), 26 October 2004.