NHER 43367 (Monument record) - Site of World War Two air raid shelters west off Portland Wharf, Southtown

March 2006. Norfolk NMP.
Two World War Two air raid shelters are visible as surface or partially sunken structures, covered by earth, vegetation or similar material, on aerial photographs (S1)-(S2), centred at TG 5227 0701. Their size, which is larger than a typical, family-sized shelter, and their location on the edge of an industrial complex and wharf, suggests that they were industrial shelters, constructed for the use of those working in the area. At the same time their proximity to residential housing means that their use by civilians cannot be ruled out. The shelters’ underlying structures were still visible, by that time uncovered, on aerial photographs taken in 1965 (S2). From these photographs it is clear that the structures were shaped like an inverted ‘U’ or an arch in plan. The structures may also just be visible on aerial photographs taken in 1989 (S3); their current condition is not known.
S. Tremlett (NMP), 8 March 2006.