NHER 52467 (Monument record) - Site of a World War Two searchlight emplacement

November 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The site of a World War Two searchlight emplacement is visible on aerial photographs to the south of Heath Loke, Poringland (S1-S2). The site is centred on TG 2651 0211. Another World War Two searchlight battery is located 180m to the north (NHER 34192) and a third possible site approximately 1.5km to the north (NHER 52468), although the function of this third site is uncertain. It seems unusual for there to be three possible searchlight sites within 1.5km of one another, especially with two only 180m apart. It must be assumed that these provided additional defence for the nearby Poringland and Stoke Holy Cross radar stations (NHER 14227, 32538) or perhaps protected them from aircraft attack whilst they were under construction. It would appear that this site is the later of the two closely positioned emplacements, as it does not have evidence of relatively recent use and still contains operational buildings, unlike the site 180m to the north.
The site consists of a large broad emplacement with a possible sunken area at TG 2652 0208. This sunken area may relate to the levelling of the ground prior to the searchlight being positioned, as the site is located on top of medieval to post medieval agricultural ridges (NHER 52466). Two smaller circular emplacements, both 7m across, are also visible and are likely to be the remains of the site predictor emplacement and a possible light anti-aircraft gun emplacement or similar gun emplacement. The square structure, 5m across, to immediate northwest of the emplacement is likely to have been as operational building or could feasibly have been a gun emplacement or pillbox, although the positioning within the centre of the site would be unusual. The structure at the end of a probable cable track running to the searchlight is likely to be the generator house. A more substantial building is located within northwest corner of site and this was probably an accommodation hut.
To the immediate south of site are a group of structures located in a former quarry, centred on TG 2654 0202 (S1-S2). It was not clear whether these were definitely associated with the battery, as no tracks were visible leading between the two components of the site.
S. Horlock (NMP), 04 November 2009.