NHER 42474 (Monument record) - World War Two radio site, Marine Parade, Gorleston-on-Sea

January 2006. Norfolk NMP.
A World War Two radio site, possibly related to countermeasures activity, is visible on aerial photographs in amongst houses on Marine Parade, Gorleston-on-Sea (S1)-(S4). The site consists of two masts and associated transmission and operational buildings. The site gets constructed in-between February 1941 (S1) and May 1944 (S2). The site is located to the immediate north of the Gorleston Links Battery (NHER 42473) and to the seaward side of the anti-aircraft battery and military camp, which was based to the immediate west at the Gorleston Holiday Camp (NHER 32668). The site is centred on TG 5298 0220.

The exact function of this site is not known for definite, although the presence of two masts indicates that it is some sort of radio or wireless telegraphy site. Wireless telegraphy sites were generally used for air traffic control purposes and are usually located within or near to airfields (S5). However this site is not especially near to any airfields. It is possible that it is a radio countermeasures station, used against the German bomber radio guidance systems, based on the X-gerät beam system, see NHER 38977 for such a site on the coast at Mundesley.

Nestled in-between 68 and 69 Marine Parade, at TG 5298 0224, is a tall mast. The base measures approximately 4m across and it appears to be at least twice as tall as the houses to either side. To the immediate rear of the mast is a square concrete structure. Behind this is a curved-profile hut, probably a nissen, measuring 11m by 4m. The second mast is located within the agricultural land to the immediate south at TG 5298 0218. An array of four square concrete bases are visible surrounding the mast. This structure has been removed by August 1945, however the other tower still remains at this date (S4).

The structure of number 69 Marine Parade appears to have been substantially altered and added to since February 1941 (S1). In particular the roof of the house has additional structures placed onto the roof. In 1941 the roof of the house looks flat, whereas in 1944-5 a series of rectangular structures have been constructed on top. An elongated rectangular structure, 2.5m wide, has been placed all along the front face. Behind this two smaller square structures have been placed. A circular aerial or pole is also visible. It is assumed that these are military additions, and the fact that they have been partially dismantled by August 1945 (S4), also indicated that they are related to the working of the radio site. Two flat-roofed, rectangular surface structures were also placed either side of the house, one measuring 8m by 2m and the other 6m by 2m.

To the south of the main buildings, where 69a Marine Parade now stands, is another cluster of military structures. In 1940-1 an oblong structure is visible at TG 5298 0220, this measures 4m across, and has a clear path leading to it from the main house. In later aerial photographs this can be seen to be a large earthen mound covering a structure (S4). In 1947 the mound and underlying structure have been removed and a square cut feature is visible (S6). It is therefore likely that this is a semi-sunken air raid shelter, see NHER 42478 for air raid shelters associated with 68 Marine Parade.
By May 1944 (S2) the shelter has been surrounded by a series of flat-roofed, rectangular structures, measuring 7m by 2m. These buildings have a similar appearance to structures mapped at other military sites in the area, see NHER 42339 for example; at this location they were interpreted as surface air raid shelters. It is possible that they perform a similar function at this site and may have been used by the troops stationed at the coastal defences along this section of the cliffs, as well as those manning the radio site. In all of the summer 1944 aerial photographs a number of trucks are parked on the cliff top immediately in front of this site, perhaps indicating increased activity in this area.
S. Massey (NMP), 30 January 2006.

Art Deco House on site of 69 Marine Parade, see NHER 49026.
E. Rose (NLA), 30 October 2006.