Civil Bombing Decoy C82c |
Hob Uid: 1469446 | |
Location : Somerset Mendip Priddy
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Grid Ref : ST4750057400 |
Summary : A Second World War bombing decoy site on Black Down, near Burrington. It was built as part of the 'C-series' of civil decoys to deflect enemy bombing from Bristol. Built in late 1941 to 1942 this was one of six decoys in the Burrington 'QL' system, a complex layout of lighting decoys designed to reconstruct the whole city of Bristol, as opposed to isolated features within it. This 'QL' decoy was set up to represent Temple Meads railway station and Pyle Hill goods depot. It operated by displaying simulated marshalling yard lights, locomotive glows and factory lighting to reconstruct the station and depot. It also functioned as a 'QF' decoy, which consisted of a series of controlled fires lit during an air raid to replicate a target struck by bombs. The site is referenced as being in use until 1943. Aerial photography from 1971 shows a control building surviving in good condition 400 metres to the south-west of the decoy site. Partial remains of firebreaks from the 'QF' decoy are visible. The whole site is flanked by anti-aircraft mounds. |
More information : A Second World War 'QL' bombing decoy located on Black Down (ST 475 574), also known as 'Burrington C'. It was constructed as part of the 'C-series' of civil decoys to deflect enemy bombing from Bristol. It is referenced as being in use between 02-OCT-1942 to 01-MAY-1943. This was designed to protect Temple Meads railway station and Pyle Hill good depot. The 'QL' decoy operated by displaying simulated marshalling yard lights, locomotive glows and factory lighting. This was one of six 'Burrington' decoys for Bristol, with further decoys at Burrington A- ST 467 578, Burrington B- ST 465 557, Burrington D- ST 481 575, Burrington E- ST 482 572, and Burrington F- 497 570. (1)
Aerial photography from 1971 shows a control building surviving in good condition 400 metres to the south-west of the decoy site. It shared this control building with decoy site 'Burrington A'. Partial remains of firebreaks from the 'QF' decoy are visible. The whole site is flanked by anti-aircraft mounds. (2)
NGR concords with that given in source 1. The Burrington 'QL' sites were constructed between late 1941 and 1942. They were a complex system of decoys designed to replicate the whole city of Bristol and not just isolated features within it. This decoy represented Temple Meads station and Pyle Hill goods depot. The Burrington (or 'C82') decoys were a unique formation and the concept was not replicated in any other cities. (3) |