Craster, Northumberland: An Archaeological Investigation of a World War II Radar Station Complex
Author(s): Stewart Ainsworth, Abby Hunt
In 2003-2005 English Heritage undertook investigations into a World War II Chain Home Low radar station near Craster, Northumberland. The two principal buildings of the radar station (the TxRx block and the Standby Set House) are extant and were surveyed in detail. The remains of other buildings which would have formed part of the complex, including the bases of Nissen huts forming the accommodation and ablutions blocks, were also identified. A number of weapons pits sited in strategic locations around the radar station complex were recorded. These contributed to the wider coastal defences of the area. Examination of historic aerial photography revealed the position of some features which no longer survive, for example, barbed-wire entanglements defining the perimeter of the compound. Documentary research demonstrated that the radar station was probably built in late 1941 and continued in operation until July 1944. Subsequently, the radar station buildings and compound were used as a Prisoner of War camp until 1947. Oral testimony was gathered from local people who had been resident in Craster during World War II and this brought to light additional information about the use of the site.
- Report Number:
- 43/2006
- Series:
- Research Department Reports
- Pages:
- 40
