Summary
Three air raid and generator shetlers constructed during WWII as part of the dummy airfield constructed at Gumber Farm as a double for RAF Tangmere.
Identification Images (1)
Monument Types
- AIR RAID SHELTER (Mid 20th C - 1939 AD to 1945 AD)
Description
Air Raid & Generator shelters built during WWII to serve as part of the dummy airfield. Three structures exist. One (most northerly) is above ground and used for radios and generators, two is by the northern wall of the barn now the bothy, and the third is in the easternmost cottage's garden. The structure above ground was partially renovated by covering the south slope with earth although this was not done so as to completely bury the structure. Presumably in the WWII it was completely covered with earth.
Pastscape Record: A Second World War bombing decoy at Gumber that was built to deflect enemy bombing from Royal Air Force Tangmere airfield. This operated as both a 'K-type' day decoy and a 'Q-type' night decoy. The 'K-type' decoy consisted of a replica airfield equipped with dummy Hurricane aircraft. This was in operation from early 1940 until its closure on 27th June 1941. The 'Q-type' decoy displayed a sequence of lights, which when seen at night resembled an active airfield. This night decoy is referenced as being in use from 1940 to 1941. Two control buildings, which would have housed the power generator and provided crew shelter, survive on the site in good condition (see HOB UID 1415997). A further bombing decoy site for Royal Air Force Tangmere was located at Colworth.
References
- SNA67638 - Article in serial: Worthing Archaeological Society. 2015. Occassional Paper 2: The Military History of the Slindon Estate. 2.
- SZL15477 - Slide: Joy Ede. 01/11/1997. Slindon - Gumber 2WW inside generator shed entrance to room opposite engine room. 2M. 35.
- SZL18060 - Slide: Joy Ede. 01/11/1997. Slindon - Gumber 2WW inside generator shed looking out of entrance. 2M. 36.
- SZL19373 - Slide: Joy Ede. 01/11/1997. Slindon - Gumber 2WW generator shed front entrance and north elevation from a distance. 2M. 33.
- SZL29000 - Slide: Joy Ede. 01/11/1997. Slindon - Gumber air raid shelter in field. 2M. 29.
- SZL31377 - Slide: Joy Ede. 01/11/1997. Slindon - Gumber 2WW generator shed front entrance and side elevation. 2M. 32.
- SZL37319 - Slide: Joy Ede. 01/11/1997. Slindon - Gumber 2WW inside generator shed entrance to engine room. 37.
- SZL44824 - Slide: Joy Ede. 01/11/1997. Slindon - Gumber 2WW generator shed front entrance and north elevation close up with exhaust exit. 2M. 34.
- SZL46352 - Slide: Joy Ede. 01/11/1997. Slindon - Gumber 2WW generator shed. 30.
- SZL46734 - Slide: Joy Ede. 01/11/1997. Slindon - Gumber 2WW air raid shelter detail of concrete "Sturdybox". 2M. 31.
- SZL47582 - Slide: Joy Ede. 01/11/1997. Slindon - Gumber air raid shelter in field. 2M. 28.
- SZL47583 - Slide: Joy Ede. 01/11/1997. Slindon - Gumber 2WW generator shed exhaust and miscellaneous concrete structure outside shed. 38.
Designations
None Recorded
Other Statuses and References
- Area of Archaeological Importance
Associated Events
None Recorded
Associated Finds
None Recorded
Related Records
None Recorded