NHER 38396 (Monument record) - Site of World War Two trenches and weapons pits on Kelling Heath

December 2003. Norfolk NMP.
The earthworks of slit trenches and weapons pits dating to World War Two are visible on RAF aerial photographs from 1946 (S1) and 1950 (S2). The location of these trenches and pits overlooking the edge of the heath and the road provide good defensive positions, however it seems more likely that these trenches were dug for training purposes rather than more actual defending.
The main component of the site is a zigzag system of trenches running from TG 1034 4196 to TG 1042 4209, measuring approximately 185m long and 1.5-2m long. The northern section of this ditch has a series of loops where the trench splits out to either side and then returns back to a single line after approximately 10m. There are approximately six loop-like arrangements. These may have been constructed to maintain free movement along the trench or they may have had a more specific defensive purpose, such as a firing position. Centred on TG 1038 4206 is a small 1m in diameter circular structure, sitting within the centre of one of these widened out loops. It is possible that this is a spigot mortar emplacement or similar structure. This trench sits on the opposite side of the valley to a similar arrangement of slit trench (NHER 32512), on either side of the road across the heath.
To the north of this line of trench at TG 1037 4206 is pit, roughly L-shaped and measuring 8m long and 4m wide. Two other large pits are visible to the south of the site, both are oblong, 5m by 2.5m, located at TG 1036 4197 and TG 1042 4199. To the south of this is a narrow section of slit trench, 75m long, running from TG 1036 4196 to TG 1042 4199.
Along the contour at the edge of the heath is an arrangement of connected trenches. A continuous narrow slit trench runs for 57m from TG 1042 4196 to TG 1042 4199. Along the line of this trench are three 4m by 1m rectangular trenches, at TG 1043 4204, TG 1044 4204, TG 1045 4202. A further two trenches are located to north at TG 1042 4206 and TG 1042 4205.
S. Massey (NMP), 8 December 2003.