NHER 38913 (Monument record) - World War Two defences

October 2004. Norfolk NMP.
An area of World War Two defences and military training is visible on aerial photographs on an area of grass to the south of Cromwell Road, Cromer (S1 and S2). The site is centred on TG 2221 4152 and consisted of two circular gun emplacements, earthwork practice trenches and weapons pits. Several areas of parched and disturbed ground indicate former possible structures and areas of activity. The access route into this field shows signs of heavy usage and vehicular movement, as might be expected with a training area. In the centre of the road junction to the immediate north of the access to the field is a large oblong mark on the road, suggesting that a possible structure has recently been removed. This may indicate a former roadblock, see NHER 38916 for a similar feature at the junction of Cromwell Road and Overstrand Road 340m to the east.

At TG 2223 4155 are two conjoined circular pits surrounded by circular banks (S2). The southern pit is more pronounced and of greater depth. On the earliest available aerial photographs this pit appears to have the remains of a concrete base or structure within it (S1). It is likely that this is a gun pit or emplacement. An arrangement of four practice trenches or weapons pits is visible centred on TG 2217 4151.

Also visible in April are several other circular parchmarks, which may indicate former military structures. At TG 2224 4150 is a further group of parchmarks, these have the appearance of a 'H' and an 'I', presumably caused by a particular arrangement of structures. It is possible that given the date of the aerial photographs that these parchmarks relate to post-war usage of the grass, although the association with other more definite military features may suggest that these are also World War Two in origin. Other less well defined marks on the ground suggest further activity, although these could easily be distinguished and therefore were not mapped.
S. Massey (NMP), 28 October 2004.