NHER 43363 (Monument record) - Site of possible World War One practice trenches, Waveney Forest

March 2006. Norfolk NMP.
A group of possible World War One practice trenches is visible on aerial photographs on an area of heath or common, now known as the Waveney Forest (S1-S4). Most of the trenches are visible as surface and vegetational marks and are situated within an area of later World War Two training site (NHER 43361). One section of trench is visible as a well-defined earthwork. Given its condition it is possible it is World War Two. The site is centred on TG 4601 0099. A possible World War One firing range is located to the immediate south, see NHER 43362 for details. Another group of World War One trenches (NHER 43360) are located on Belton Common, approximately 1.8km to the northeast.

These possible World War One trenches are visible as a series of faint surface and vegetational marks exposed in an area of common which is being cleared in 1944-5 (S1). Centred on TG 4597 0089 is a large group of possibly backfilled trenches which follow both crenellated and zigzag designs. A similar group of surface zigzag shaped features is centred on TG 4602 0109. Although it seems likely that these are World War One on date, especially the crenellated trench, it is possible that these earthworks were dug very early in 1944 and have been backfilled prior to the clearing of the vegetation later in the war. However when compared with other World War Two earthworks in the area (NHER 43361) they are extremely dilapidated, again indicating a World War One date.

At TG 4610 0109 is the well-defined earthworks of a crenellated section of slit trench (S1). This is dug into a slight rise giving the defences a terraced appearance. The crispness of the earthworks when compared with the features described above could indicate that the trench is World War Two in date. However it does not have the characteristic spread of clean and bright material that surrounds other recent World War Two trenches and pits in the area. Also the crenellated plan would indicate a World War One date also. The earthworks of this large trench potentially still survive. The site has been planted with trees since World War Two, but the traces of the trench can be seen through the trees in 1970 (S4). A site visit would be needed to ascertain whether these still survive on the ground.
S. Massey (NMP), 13 March 2006.