Monument record MDO45350 - Second World War bombing range observation tower, Launceston Common, Tarrant Launceston
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Summary
A probable Second World War bombing range observation tower is visible as a structure on aerial photographs taken in 1943 and 1947 but was removed by 1953. The site comprises a tall tower which has a base measuring circa 5.5m square. Its shadow extends for over 70m suggesting that it has considerable height. The tower is located at the eastern edge of Launceston Common and provided a vantage point from which observers could provide immediate feedback to the pilots and bomb aimers using the bombing range (MDO45344). A second tower is located 1165m to its south (see MDO45339).
Map
Type and Period (2)
Full Description
A probable Second World War bombing range observation tower is visible as a structure on aerial photographs taken in 1943 and 1947 but was removed by 1953. The site is centred at ST 9628 1122 and comprises a tall tower which has a base measuring circa 5.5m square. Its shadow extends for over 70m suggesting that it has considerable height. The tower is located at the eastern edge of Launceston Common and provided a vantage point from which observers could provide immediate feedback to the pilots and bomb aimers using the bombing range (ST 91 SE 248 / UID: 1481331). A second tower is located 1165m to its south (see ST 91 SE 247 / UID: 1480804). <1-3>
Sources/Archives (5)
- <1> SDO19184 Aerial Photograph: Royal Air Force. 13-JAN-1943. NMR RAF/HLA/651 1136-1137.
- <2> SDO19288 Aerial Photograph: Royal Air Force. 27-APR-1947. NMR RAF/CPE/UK/2038 3208-3209.
- <3> SDO19234 Aerial Photograph: Royal Air Force. 20-APR-1953. NMR RAF/58/1090 F21 0136-0137.
- <4> SDO12459 Unpublished document: Bishop, Sharon. 2009. Tarrant Launceston 15 & Environs. Aerial Photograph Survey & Analysis. Object Number: MD002384.
- <5>XY SDO14739 Digital archive: National Record of the Historic Environment. 1480803. [Mapped feature: #634823 ]
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (1)
Location
| Grid reference | ST 9628 1122 (point) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | ST91SE |
| Civil Parish | Tarrant Launceston; Dorset |
| Unitary Authority | Dorset |
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Other Statuses/References
- Legacy UID: National Monuments Record: ST 91 SE 246
- Legacy UID: National Record of the Historic Environment: 1480803
Record last edited
Jan 26 2023 1:44PM
