World War II Bombing Decoy Complex and Beacon Batch Cemetery

United Kingdom / England / Cheddar /
 Second World War 1939-1945, invisible, scheduled ancient monument
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This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.
World War II bombing decoy complex, anti-aircraft obstructions and Beacon Batch round barrow cemetery on Black Down
The QF diversionary fire decoy[QF sites were first provided for the night protection of RAF airfields, but from August 1941 their role was extended to protect urban centres.] at Black Down is one of only a very few to survive following the systematic clearing of such sites in the immediate years subsequent to the end of World War II. The monument has been well-researched and it is important in understanding the operation of subterfuge decoy sites employed in the early years of the War.
list.english-heritage.org.uk/resultsingle.aspx?uid=1020...
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Coordinates:   51°18'38"N   2°44'52"W

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  • The QF diversionary fire decoy at Black Down is one of only a very few to survive following the systematic clearing of such sites in the immediate years subsequent to the end of World War II. The monument has been well-researched and it is important in understanding the operation of subterfuge decoy sites employed in the early years of the War. Its importance is enhanced by its association with a QL simulated lighting system with which it acted in tandem and with a Z anti-aircraft rocket battery to the south of it which was intended to fire on enemy aircraft lured to attack. The monument also encompasses the rare survival of World War II anti-aircraft landing obstructions in the form of mounds and cairns, this system being particularly visible from the air. These were constructed as part of a national programme in which all potential landing grounds were obstructed. Most obstructions were removed immediately after the war. The monument encompasses a prehistoric round barrow cemetery which contains, in addition to bowl barrows, two rarer barrows in the form of a bell barrow and a disc barrow.