NHER 50618 (Monument record) - World War One to Two date military training site

September 2007. Norfolk NMP.
An area of World War One to Two date military training features and earthworks are visible on aerial photographs wihtin BlackBreck Plantation (S1-S4). The site is centred on TG 1211 1355 and consists of dispersed groups of earthworks across the former heath, now a plantation. The features identified include a group of three large pits, probably gun emplacements at TG 1197 1347, dispersed groups of weapons pits, with a concentration at TG 1232 1282, bomb craters, TG 1247 1338 and slit trenches, including a 40m long straight trench at TG 1229 1305. Located on the western edge of the training area is a trench of crenellated form, located at TG 1262 1325, which appears to be World War One in date. It is possible that other elements of the site are also of this date. A disturbed area of ground at TG 1202 1355, which has several well-used tracks leading towards it, may indicate the position of a former structure or training focus. On the northwestern end of the heath are two intersecting lines of pits dug at regular intervals (S3-S4). It is possible that a narrow trench connects them, although it is hard to be certain due to the quality of the aerial photographs and the ground cover of the heath. These have a similar appearance to the pits dug as part of night time dummy airfield displays, although it is unlikely that this is the intended use given the close proximity of the site to the Attlebridge Airfield (NHER 3063). These pits appear to have been dug post March 1945 and may have been associated with continuing training activities associated with the airfield.
S. Massey (NMP), 12 September 2007.

November 2021-March 2022. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of site on proposed route of Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm onshore cable.
This survey identified no trace of a possible slit trench recorded at TG 1263 1325.
Information from draft report. See NHER 66328 for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 19 February 2025.

February-June 2022. Trial Trenching.
Evaluation of site on proposed route of Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm onshore cable.
A trench placed to coincide with the possible slit trench recorded at TG 1263 1325 revealed no associated remains.
Information from draft report. See NHER 66328 for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 19 February 2025.