NHER 50916 (Monument) - Possible World War Two training and post medieval to modern date extraction

March 2008. Norfolk NMP.
A probable area of World War Two military training activity may be visible on aerial photographs on Bawdeswell Heath (S1-S3). The use of this site is probably associated with the military camp and headquarters at Bylaugh Hall (NHER 44346), approximately 1km to the south, or potentially associated with activities of troops based at Swanton Morley airfield (NHER 2830). No definite military structures or defences were identified on the aerial photographs, instead the site merely reveals evidence of recent activity. Possible craters, pits and trenches may exist at the site, but it was impossible to confidently distinguish these from the surrounding post medieval and modern date small-scale extraction features which are also present on the heath.

The presence of military trucks on and near this part of the heath in 1949 (S4) indicates the continuing use of this site after the war.
S. Massey (NMP), 03 March 2008.