Starfish Bombing Decoy Sf35d |
| Hob Uid: 1469070 | |
Location :
Lancashire
Burnley
Worsthorne-with-Hurstwood
|
| Grid Ref : SD8834032459 |
| Summary : A Second World War bombing decoy site at Worsthorne. It was built in April 1941 as a 'Permanent Starfish' site to deflect enemy bombing from the town of Accrington. By the end of 1941 a 'QL' decoy was incorporated into the site as part of the 'C-series' of civil decoys to protect Bank Top station. The 'Starfish' decoy operated by lighting a series of controlled fires during an air raid to replicate an urban area targeted by bombs. The 'QL' decoy simulated the railway marshalling yard lights and factory lighting associated with Bank Top. The site is referenced as being in use until 1942. Aerial photography from 1955 shows a control building located at SD 884 324. The control building would have housed an operations room and power generator and provided the decoy crew with shelter. Further 'Starfish' and civil bombing decoy sites for Accrington were located at Haslingden, Accrington, Burnley and Hameldon Hill. |
More information : A Second World War 'Permanent Starfish' bombing decoy located at Worsthorne (SD 891 325). It was constructed to deflect enemy bombing from Accrington. It is referenced as being in use between 01-AUG-1941 and 24-MAR-1942. It was also the site of a 'QL' decoy, which was built as part of the 'C-series' of civil decoys for Accrington to protect Bank Top station. This is referenced as being in use on 02-OCT-1942. The 'QL' decoy displayed simulated marshalling yard lights and factory lighting.
Further 'Starfish' and civil bombing decoys sites for Accrington were located at Haslingden (SD 763 238), Accrington (SD 796 279), Burnley (SD 845 288), Worsthorne (SD 891 325) and Hameldon Hill (SD 809 287). (1)
Aerial photography from 1955 shows a control building located at SD 884 324. (2)
NGR concords with that given in source 1. The 'Starfish' sites for Accrington were built in April 1941. The 'C-series' decoys for Accrington were implemented by the end of 1941. (3) |