NHER 54409 (Monument record) - The site of probable World War Two searchlight battery or group of gun emplacements

July 2010. Norfolk NMP.
At least one extant structure, along with three circular banks and a circular ditch feature are visible on aerial photographs and are likely to represent the remains of a World War Two anti-aircraft battery (S1)-(S2), which must have been removed by September 1945 (S1). The site is centred on TG 1888 0698. The areas of parching and circular banks in the field at TG 1883 0700, TG 1885 0703 and TG 1885 0706 indicate the former presence of structures, potentially gun emplacements, at these locations. It is also possible that the circular ditch feature, at TG 1887 0709 with a possible platform in the centre, may represent a temporary searchlight fixture. It is possible that this site may have been a replacement for the possible anti aircraft or searchlight battery situated 240m to the south east (NHER 54410)
E. Bales (NMP), 20 July 2010.

May 2016. Walkover Survey.
Archaeological Rapid Identification Survey ahead of proposed redevelopment of UEA playing fields.
This was undertaken due to the identified potentially for surviving earthwork remains at this site. Aerial photographs taken between 1945 and 1947 show earthworks and cropmarks in the eastern half of the site that are likely to represent the remains of a World War Two anti-aircraft or searchlight battery (see NHER 54409 for further details). The site also lies adjacent to the historic boundary between the parishes of Colney and Cringleford.
No archaeologically-significant earthworks were recorded and no other features of archaeological or historic interest were recorded.
It is noted that the area of the mapped World War Two features is now largely covered by a broad, low earthwork bank (c. 24m wide and 0.5m high) running parallel to the modern boundary that now divides this area of rough grassland from the plot containing a rugby pitch to the west. The flat rugby pitch has clearly been terraced into a north-east facing slope and it is possible that this work was the source of the material now forming the bank.
Relatively long grass and other vegetable may well have obscured any subtle earthworks surviving to the east of the modern bank.
Nothing of interest was observed in the wood at the southern edge of the site, which was planted during the late 20th century.
Information from report uploaded to OASIS. HER copy awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 22 March 2021.