NHER 38945 (Monument record) - Site of World War Two military training and defensive features

November 2004. Norfolk NMP.
A group of World War Two military training and defensive features situated on the cliff top at Overstrand and are visible on aerial photographs from 1941-6 (S1-6). These are located to the immediate east of an extensive area of military training on the Cromer Golf Links (NHER 38940-1). A circular mound of possible World War Two date is also located to the immediate south (NHER 38925). This area of military earthworks includes several gun emplacements, weapons pits and barbed wire and is centred on TG 2455 4110. These structures form part of a much wider system of coastal defences and training areas all along the cliffs at Cromer and Overstrand. To the immediate east the steps down to the beach are extremely heavily defended with pillboxes and blocks (NHER 38949).

In 1942 at TG 2456 4112 on the cliff edge is a small circular emplacement, with a possible stretch of low and narrow wall to the immediate east (S4). Elements of this site are visible on the oblique aerial photographs from 1941 (S1-3) although the circular emplacement is not visible in the earlier aerial photographs. Two well-defined earthwork emplacements are visible at TG 2448 4113 and at TG 2461 4109. Also visible in 1946 is a large oblong pronounced pit at TG 2457 4109 (S5-6). At TG 2456 4113 is a square structure, 2.5m across, situated about two-thirds down the cliff face (S3). This may be is too small and tall for a pillbox, it seems more likely that it is a watch tower or similar structure.

A line of four teardrop shaped weapons pits are visible centred on TG 2453 4110. These appear to have been constructed between June 1942 and April 1946 (S4-6). These are situated behind a sinuous narrow bank. It is possible that this earthwork is earlier and probably represents a post medieval field boundary, given that it’s course mirrors that of the cliff path on the Ordnance Survey 2nd edition map (1902-7, 25") S7). This low bank is visible on the oblique aerial photographs from 1941 (S1-3), and also the verticals from 1942 (S4). However by 1946 (S5-6) the linear appears much more pronounced and higher. This may indicate that the bank had been augmented in some way either with further material or possible by barbed wire. Also in April 1946 the cliff path looks like it may have a barbed wire element, although the aerial photograph is not clear enough to be definite (S5).

In the adjoining field to the east is a further possible gun emplacement, indicated by a circular concrete base at TG 2465 4106, 3.5m in diameter. On an oblique aerial photograph from 1941 this base appears to have a possible central projecting feature, although it partially obscured by vegetation. To the south of this is a U-shaped worn path or slightly sunken trackway. It is assumed that this related to the possible gun emplacement although its origin is unknown.
(S1-S7)
S. Massey (NMP), 04 November 2004.