Civil Bombing Decoy C82f |
| Hob Uid: 1469450 | |
Location :
Somerset
Mendip
Priddy
|
| Grid Ref : ST4970057000 |
| Summary : A Second World War bombing decoy site at Priddy, near Burrington. It was constructed 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 Bristol East Depot marshalling yard by displaying simulated marshalling yard lights at night. The site 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. Aerial photography from 1971 shows that a control building, which would have housed as operations room and provided the decoy crew with shelter, survived at the site in good condition. |
More information : A Second World War 'QL' and 'QF' bombing decoy located at Priddy (ST 497 570), also known as 'Burrington F'. 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 Bristol East Depot by displaying simulated marshalling yard lights. This was one of six 'Burrington' decoys for Bristol, with further decoys at Burrington A- ST 467 578, Burrington B- ST 465 557, Burrington C- ST 475 574, Burrington D- ST 481 575 and Burrington E- ST 482 572. (1)
Aerial photography from 1971 shows that a control building, located 1000 metres to the south-west of the decoy, survived at the site in good condition. The control building was shared with sites 'Burrington D' and 'Burrington E'. Firebreaks at the site have been ploughed away. (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 the Bristol East railway yard and depot. The Burrington (or 'C82') decoys were a unique formation and the concept was not replicated in any other cities. (3) |