NHER 42239 (Monument record) - A possible World War Two camouflaged structure

December 2005. Norfolk NMP.
A camouflaged World War Two defensive site or possible air raid shelter is visible on aerial photographs at the intersection of Beccles Road and Crab Lane (S1-S2). The site is centred on TG 5118 0431. The covered structure appears to consist of three interlinked structures or cells. The appearance of this structure is slightly different to other shelters recorded within the area. Shelters of this size generally have clearly visible entrances and emergency hatches and vents, see NHER 42238 for nearby shelter descriptions. No such external features are visible (S2). Given the lacking of obvious additions to this mound, it is possible that the feature is merely a dump of material, with three tipping points creating the illusion of three discrete structures. Although the edges appear to well defined to be a normal dump of material. However the road intersection point, especially given the proximity of the Anti-Aircraft battery (NHER 32667) to the north, and the fact that the Beecles Road eventually leads to the West Quay, would offer a potential location worth defending. It is possible that each end mound conceals a gun position, offering fire along all three road directions.

The whole earthwork is 12m long and between 3-8m wide. Each of three end cells or structures are all approximately 4m by 3m. This feature has been removed by 1953 (S3).
S. Massey (NMP), 19 December 2005.