NHER 43333 (Monument record) - A possible World War Two gun battery and associated underground structures, South Beach Parade, South Denes

March 2006. Norfolk NMP.
A possible World War Two gun battery with an associated underground complex is visible on aerial photographs to the western side of South Denes, Great Yarmouth (S1)-(S2). The site consists of two rectangular bases, level with the ground surface, which have possible central guns mounted in 1944. To the rear of these structures are two entrances leading down to underground tunnels and recesses, plus two surface components. The arrangement of these underground structures look incredible similar to the suite of shelters, magazines and stores that are usually found underground to the rear of coastal battery sites. Two circular emplacements either side in 1944 may be searchlights associated with the site. This underground complex is located to the immediate north of a World War Two air raid shelter (NHER 43332), although this shelter dates to earlier in the war and does not appear to be related. The Denes was heavily defended with a variety of pillboxes, gun positions, trenches and barbed wire, see NHER 43323 for overview of area. The site is centred on TG 5311 0414. The general location of these structures has been built on, but it is possible that some of the components survive underground.

The clearest surface components of this site consist of an oblong mound covering the entrance to a set of stairs leading down into the structure. To the rear of this is a square structure, 2.5m across, with a ramp alongside, again leading down into the underground element of the site, centred on TG 5312 0414. To either side of this are two rows of small low circular features projecting from the ground. These are likely to be air vents for the underground chambers. At the front of the site, alongside the South Denes Road, are a series of concrete components, forming two narrow rectangular bases, both approximately 17m by 3m. These are level with the ground surface, but appear to be the roofs of underground structures. In 1944 two circular structures are visible mounted in the centre of each rectangular base (S1), plus two smaller circular structure either side. The function of these is not known for certain, although they are most likely gun emplacements. These external circular components have been removed by 1945 and only a circular concrete base remains in the centre of the surface. (S2).

In 1944 two circular emplacements are visible on aerial photographs to either side of the main structures site, at TG 5314 0408 and TG 5311 0423, both approximately 5m in diameter and a surrounded by a narrow bank. The northern example is the clearest on the aerial photographs and this consists of a circular base with a small structure mounted in the centre. This has the appearance of a searchlight or gun position. These emplacements are located between 30-50m from the main structures. To the northwest of this underground complex, TG 5310 0417, is a flat-roofed surface structure or hut, 6.5m by 4m. The roof of this structure has been painted with camouflage. To the west of the northern emplacement is a group of military buildings, centred on TG 5308 0425. The largest structure measures 11m by 6.5m and has pitched roof and is again painted with camouflage. The narrow structure to west consists of a walled shell, with two internal roofed structures within. It is not immediately clear whether these buildings are directly related to the possible battery and underground structures or whether they are part of the wider military activity on the site (NHER 43323).
S. Massey (NMP), 2 March 2006.