NHER 54397 (Monument record) - World War Two military training site

August 2010. Norfolk NMP.
An area of dispersed earthworks relating to a World War Two military training site is visible on aerial photographs within Drayton Woods, Drayton (S1-S4). The site, which is centred on TG 1955 1287, consists of limited evidence of World War Two military training, most significantly a number of large weapons pits, and areas of disturbed ground. A circular vegetation mark or ring ditch is visible in 1945 (S2) at approximately TG 1949 1275. It is probable that this relates to temporary military structure or associated with military activity, it is feasible that it relates to an earlier feature of post medieval or early modern date. It is assumed that all of the ephemeral earthworks visible within the woods, such as at TG 1955 1296 (S3), relate to relatively recent tracks and military activity, although again it is possible that some are earlier in date and non-military. To the immediate west of the site is Drayton Wood Hotel. In 1941-4 a large rectangular area of hard standing or the base of a removed structure is visible (S5-S6). While there it is feasible that this relates to a removed military structure, there is no definite evidence of this apparent on the aerial photographs.
S. Horlock (NMP), 13 August 2010.