NHER 38885 (Monument record) - Possible World War Two military training site

December 2004. Norfolk NMP.
An area of possible World War Two military training activity is visible on aerial photographs to the south of the Cromer Road, now the back gardens of Shipden Avenue and Marrams Avenue. During the war this area was rough ground and allotments. Other than a possible, small gun emplacement, no definitely military structures are visible on the aerial photographs, although quite clear parchmarks are visible revealing where structures have recently stood. This area has many military defence and training sites, including a series of road blocks near the entrance to this site (NHER 38884) and some trenches and a gun emplacement to the immediate west (NHER 38909).

The site is centred on TG 2107 4229. In 1941 to 1942 a series of angular and square parchmarks are visible located near the entrance to the site and running along the bounadry (S1 and S2). These are mainly 3m to 5m across, although the marks nearest the entrance are more rectangular, measuring approximately 13m by 4.5m. These are obviously the result of recently removed structures. Although it is not definite it is assumed that these were military. At TG 2103 4234 is a small circular structure, measuring 2m across. The structure cannot be seen clearly, although it is possible that it is a gun emplacement, such as a spigot mortar emplacement or small gun turret. In 1942 (S2) a series of circular parchmarks are also visible, located along a well-worn path around the site. It is possible that these mark where tents were erected. The rectangular parchmarks from the previous year as still visible, in fact they are more clearly defined, possibly indicating that activity has resumed at the site. This indicated periodic and repeated use of the site, coupled with its located near to a variety of military sites, could be taken to imply that this site was being utilised for training exercises.
S. Massey (NMP), 21 December 2004.