NHER 38385 (Monument record) - Site of World War Two slit trenches and pit on Kelling Heath

December 2003. Norfolk NMP.
Earthworks of World War Two slit trenches and pits are visible on RAF aerial photographs from 1946 (S1) on Kelling Heath. The majority of the military earthworks on Kelling Heath appear to have been constructed as part of training exercises. This group of trenches and pits represent one of the largest defensive systems constructed on this northern part of the heath.
These main component of this site consists of a linear system of slit trench running from TG 1009 4235 to TG 1028 4209, approximately 345m long. The trench is zigzag in form and up to 2.5m wide in places. All along this linear to the east is an associated arrangement of large pits. The largest of these are located at TG 1028 4215, TG 1028 4216, TG 1028 4218, TG 1028 4219, TG 1024 4224, TG 1024 4225, TG 1021 4227, TG 1020 4228, TG 1012 4233, TG 1011 4233 and TG 1009 4234. The pits can be up to 11m across and 6m wide, so they represent fairly substantial features. The exact purpose of them is unknown although they may be weapons pits or ammunition stores of some sort.
To the north of this trench is a further area of large pits, including three large circular depressions, 6-7m across, at TG 1009 4236, TG 1009 4237 and TG 1010 4238. It is possible due to their circularity that these are bomb or firing craters. It is not clear whether these are the results of training on the site or enemy fire.
S. Massey (NMP), 8 December 2003.