NHER 38948 (Monument record) - Site of World War Two coastal defences

November 2004. Norfolk NMP.
A group of World War Two coastal defences, including possible a gun emplacement and an earthwork bank, are visible on aerial photographs on the cliff top at Overstrand. These structures form part of a much wider system of coastal defences and training areas all along the cliffs at Cromer and Overstrand (NHER 38940-1, 38925, 39845, 38947-9).

The site is centred on TG 2490 4095. In 1940 a 2m wide, flat-topped, angular bank runs from TG 2488 4097 to TG 2491 4095 (S1). The land in front of this has been cleared. By 1941 two possible structures have been constructed next to the eastern end of the bank (S2). These are quite low and possible camouflaged and therefore cannot be described in detail. By 1942 a possibly L–shaped structure or gun emplacement has been constructed in front of the bank (S3).

Throughout the war years, centred on TG 2488 4094, are a group of three possible structures. The largest of the group is 3m square. These structure were not mapped as it was not entirely clear whether they were World War Two in origin. The fact that the largest one survives until 1953 next to a house, could indicate that they are not military (S4). Additional earthworks are also visible on this grass in 1953, again these were not mapped as they could not definite be distinguished on the earlier aerial photographs (S4)
(S1-4)
S. Massey (NMP), 05 November 2004.