NHER 44911 (Monument record) - World War Two military training site and possible gun emplacement

August 2006. Norfolk NMP.
A World War Two military training site and possible gun emplacement may be visible on aerial photographs on Boon’s Heath and a quarry to the immediate west, Burgh St Peter (S1). The site is centred on TM 4700 9257. A further possible World War Two site has been identified to the north at Greenways Farm (NHER 44922).

At TM 4688 9263 is the possible remains of a World War Two gun emplacement within a small quarry to the immediate west of Boon’s Heath. No actual structure remains in October 1945 (S1) however a series of earthworks and marks on the quarry floor would appear to indicate the former presence of gun or searchlight battery. The edge of the quarry is characteristically uneven, apart from the southwestern corner that forms a smooth circular shape, 14m in diameter, and appears to have the remains of an embankment or revetment around the edge, with an internal diameter of 9m. A small circular mark in the centre would suggest an internal structure. The dimensions of this emplacement could indicate the presence of a 90 cm searchlight (S2), or perhaps an anti-aircraft gun. To the north is a light square mark on the main quarry floor, 4m across. Again this is likely to mark the position of a former structure.

To the east on Boon’s Heath, centred on TM 4704 9258, is a possible area of military training. This is suggested by a series of lighter and disturbed ground, which may be the product of the digging of weapons pits and practice trenches undertaken as part of military training. None of the individual features have been mapped, instead an extent of area has been marked on the NMP map.
S. Massey (NMP), 10 August 2006.