NHER 53456 (Monument record) - World War Two searchlight batteries and military training site

March 2010. Norfolk NMP.
The site of a World War Two searchlight battery and military training area is visible on aerial photographs on Kilverstone Heath (S1-S2). The site is centred on TL 9058 8650 and consists of the trefoil-shaped earthworks of the searchlight emplacements and an accompanying circular emplacement. The remains of military buildings are visible to the north. A track with a circular dispersal point at the eastern end (S1-S2) may represent the former position for a radar controlled 150-mm projector mounted on a wheeled trailer, which are employed at some searchlight batteries later in World War Two. On the western edge of the site are a pillbox (NHER 15052) and a possible spigot mortar emplacement at approximately TL 9023 8668 (S1-S2) defending the entrance to the site. In the area immediately surrounding the battery, in particular to the south of the emplacements, is an area of large weapons pit and slit trenches. Some of these large angular pits may have originally housed light anti-aircraft gun emplacements, providing additional protection for the site. The wider area is covered with numerous smaller weapons pits and small practice trenches forming a military training area.
S. Horlock (NMP), 12 March 2010.

November 2010. Norfolk NMP.
Three further possible anti aircraft batteries are visible as earthworks on aerial photographs (S3-S6). They each consist of five embanked pits encircling inner features, at least one of which, centred on TL 9149 8645, has been surveyed (S7) and was described as a possible searchlight battery with gun emplacements around (NHER 37076). However, they are not considered to be searchlight batteries, and are more likely to have been dug for training purposes only, as there is no evidence of any structures or trackways surrounding them. The further two are centred on TL 9131 8604 and TL 9210 8574, and are similar in form; it may be possible to observe earthworks within the outer gun emplacements, but it is difficult to be certain. This area of military training may be linked to an area of further training trenches and possible weapons pits visible to the north (NHER 54513). Further possible training trenches and/or weapons pits are visible as far to the east as TL 9277 8721.
E. Bales (NMP), 04 November 2010.

December 2010. Walkover Survey.
Rapid Identification Survey. Brettenham Heath bare ground plots, Plots 2-5.
A rapid identification survey undertaken by SCCAS recorded some earthworks of mounds and depressions in this area, which may have been related to the World War Two activity.
See report (S8) for further details.
An archive associated with this work has been deposited with Norwich Castle Museum (NWHCM : 2023.94).
Amended by P. Watkins (HES), 26 August 2015 and 12 July 2023.