NHER 43358 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Site of a World War Two military training site, Belton Common

March 2006. Norfolk NMP.
The site of a World War Two military training site is visible on aerial photographs of Belton Common (S1-S6). The site is centred on TG 4612 0071 and consists of a complex system of slit trenches and large areas of weapons pits. A searchlight battery is located within this area of training activity (NHER 43359). The common was also used for training activities during World War One, see NHER 42260 for details.

The main component of the site is a large complex of interlinked slit trenches, centred on TG 4767 0206. The main trench runs from TG 4763 0213 to TG 4759 0203. This has several additional trench sections heading off from the main line. There are a number of embanked positions along the trench, such as at TG 4769 0198, TG 4767 0205 and TG 4759 0217. This last area of trenches is visible as cropmarks in 1984 (S6) after the common has been turned over to arable. The creation of the trenches would appear to be a relatively early phase in the military use of the common, as the vehicle tracks that traverse the site in 1944-5 cut across this trench system. World War One trenches have been identified on the common, although these look much more dilapidated by the 1940s. Although it is possible that some the World War One trenches were backfilled and others were not. Centred on TG 4735 0205 is a section of trench that has both zigzag and crenellated sections. The earthworks of this fieldwork are less well defined than the other main slit trenches and it is possible that this is World War One in date. However it is significantly better preserved than the other trenches recorded as World War One (NHER 43360) and therefore it has been assumed to be World War Two.

To the north of the main trench complex is a sinuous line of small trenches and embankments, running from TG 4768 0224 to TG 4769 0212. A similar arrangement of earthworks is located to the west, from TG 4729 0223 to TG 4732 0204. It is possible that additional trenches and pits are located within the trees to the north of the site, such as at TG 4734 0286. In February 1953 at this located possible traces of earthworks are visible through the thinner lead coverage of the trees (S3).

The whole of the common is covered with dispersed areas of earthworks and evidence of sporadic military training exercises. There are several main concentrations of weapons pits across the site. The majority of these have not been mapped individually, unless they were larger pits or formed a significant group, such as at TG 4750 0195. The more dispersed groups are centred on TG 4779 0211, TG 4751 0206, TG 4745 0228, TG 4742 0186, TG 4777 0187, TG 4728 0259. To the south of the track at TG 4773 0169 and TG 4742 0164 are two groups of circular pits visible in 1953 (S5). These may also be weapons pits, although this is not certain as they are not surrounded by the characteristic spread of clean and fresh spoil in 1945 (S1). It is therefore possible that these pits are evidence of earlier quarrying of some sort or perhaps relate to rabbit warrens, although the earthworks seem too neat for animal burrows

To the north of the site, at TG 4774 0239, is a cleared area with signs of structures having been removed relatively recently (S2). Marks in the vegetation indicate that a square fenced off area may have been created, but now removed. It is possible that this is the site of a former military installation. Earlier aerial photographs would be needed to offer any possible interpretation.

To the south of Back Lane trackway is a possible defensive structure located on the edge of an area of woodland at TG 4763 0175. This is either round or polygonal in shape and light in colour. It is possible that this is either concrete or sandbag construction. The material is slightly reflective and this may indicate concrete. It is possible that this is a World War Two gun emplacement, although there are no tracks leading to it on the 1944-5 aerial photographs, which would be expected if it was a World War Two structure in active use. It has been removed by 1953 (S5). Another possible structure is located to the north of the trackway at TG 4742 0178. This is rectangular and measuring 7m by 4m, possibly with a curved profile.
S. Massey (NMP), 13 March 2006.