MSO8108 - Tank training circuit C on Bossington Hill (Monument)

Summary

The remains of a World War II tank training circuit on Bossington Hill, visible as a grass-covered track forming a triangular circuit.

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Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

Full Description

The remains of a World War Two tank training circuit lie on Bossington Hill, at the end of Hill Road, at SS 9100 4775. The site was surveyed using differential GPS as part of the RCHME Exmoor project. The remains conmprise a triangular circuit, now visible as a grass covered track, 130 metres east to west and 120 metres north to south. The corresponding target railway is recorded under MSO8084. The circuit was accessed via Hill Road. Lumps of concrete rubble are scattered to the south of the circuit where a car park has been constructed. [1] The tank circuit is visible as an earthwork on aerial photographs and is as described above. A source suggests that these were possibly built by conscientious objectors during the war. [2-5] One of three triangular trackways used for tank gunnery training. [6] Information in the National Archives (Public Record Office) shows that this track was the firing point for Range C. It seems to have been originally concreted, and was due for completion in November 1943. The practices that the tanks fired were based upon those laid down in the manuals of the period. These required crews to fire at moving and stationary targets from a moving and stationary tank. The crew had to fire at targets whilst moving broadside to, advancing towards and retreating from the target area. [7,8]

Sources/Archives (8)

  • <1> Unpublished document: Riley, H.. Field Investigators Comments. RCHME Field Investigation, 1998.
  • <2> Aerial photograph: Various. Various. Oblique Aerial Photograph. NMR SS 9048/9 (18283/08) (10 February 1999).
  • <3> Aerial photograph: Royal Air Force. 1946 -1948. Vertical Aerial Photography. 106G/UK/1655 4011-4012 (11 July 1946).
  • <4> Website: 2007. http://www.somerset.gov.uk/archives/exmoor/parsonssummary2.htm#2/2.
  • <5>XY Archive: Severn Estuary Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment: SS 94 NW. MD000133. [Mapped feature: #38330 ]
  • <6> Verbal communication: Various. 1900-. Somerset County Council / South West Heritage Trust staff comments. Chris Webster, September 1997.
  • <7> Verbal communication: Various. 1900-. Somerset County Council / South West Heritage Trust staff comments. Adrian James, 7 June 2006, Somerset County Council.
  • <8> Unassigned: Dec 1943. WO 166/12234, War Diary for 719 AW Coy, RE.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MMO954
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO12322
  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 94 NW159
  • National Park: Exmoor National Park
  • Pastscape HOBID (was Monarch UID): 1132676
  • Somerset SMR PRN (Somerset): 35510

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 9102 4774 (178m by 164m)
Map sheet SS94NW
Civil Parish SELWORTHY, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (2)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Related Articles (1)

Record last edited

Nov 2 2020 5:24PM

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