Arne Hill, Dorset. AA Battery first report from Hilts

Hilts · 6th Nov 09, 16:49

A couple of weeks ago I came across the Dorset Explorer website. This website has a map of Dorset with a layers option, one of the layers being 1947 RAF arial photos of Dorset. Whilst looking at old arial pics of Holton Heath I noticed across the water at Arne some military looking structures. Naturally I looked at GE and sure enough theres something there.
During WW2 Holton Heath cordite factory was an easy target for the Germans. So in order to protect it the Royal Artillery set up an AA battery on top of Arne Hill, also Arne heath was used as a Starfish decoy site.
Well anyway ,you would not believe it but I`m reading the local paper and lo and behold there is an article on it. Not only that but its open to the public on Saturday 7th Nov 2009. What do I do ? Have a look round with loads of other people or go for a sniff around on my own. I took the latter option.

What a place. Although overgrown its just like the army moved out yesterday. No chavs have been there also. The only markings are degree increments and stuff about HE

The site is laid out with 4 large gun emplacements with a central command bunker. Unfortunetaly the bunker has got a foot of water over the floor. I walked further on later and found an old rusted AA gun base, see the pics.

Definetaly worth a visit . It just goes to show that these old sites are out there. Anyway here`s the photos.

I have more photos but thought this is enough for now.

6th Nov 09, 16:49	#1
Hilts Regular Member Join Date: October 2009 Location: Bournemouth Age: 45 Posts: 14	Arne Hill, Dorset. AA Battery first report from Hilts A couple of weeks ago I came across the Dorset Explorer website. This website has a map of Dorset with a layers option, one of the layers being 1947 RAF arial photos of Dorset. Whilst looking at old arial pics of Holton Heath I noticed across the water at Arne some military looking structures. Naturally I looked at GE and sure enough theres something there. During WW2 Holton Heath cordite factory was an easy target for the Germans. So in order to protect it the Royal Artillery set up an AA battery on top of Arne Hill, also Arne heath was used as a Starfish decoy site. Well anyway ,you would not believe it but I`m reading the local paper and lo and behold there is an article on it. Not only that but its open to the public on Saturday 7th Nov 2009. What do I do ? Have a look round with loads of other people or go for a sniff around on my own. I took the latter option. What a place. Although overgrown its just like the army moved out yesterday. No chavs have been there also. The only markings are degree increments and stuff about HE The site is laid out with 4 large gun emplacements with a central command bunker. Unfortunetaly the bunker has got a foot of water over the floor. I walked further on later and found an old rusted AA gun base, see the pics. Definetaly worth a visit . It just goes to show that these old sites are out there. Anyway here`s the photos. I have more photos but thought this is enough for now.