Part of the Plymouth Defences, Down Thomas HAA Battery was built in 1940 to accommodate four 3.7 inch guns in octagonal emplacements, & was manned by 210 HAA battery in 1941. Two rectangular emplacements were added at a later date for 3.7 inch or 4.5 inch guns. The accommodation buildings have been replaced by new houses, but it's possible the Guardhouse was converted into a modern home.
The site is on private farmland in everyday use & much of it is very overgrown, although there was a nice surprise in store in the 5 bay Magazine. Visted with theterrorwheel & friends after a rather comical day.
Our guide for the visit, very friendly leading us into the 5 bay magazine...
....which contained the surprise of the day!
Another view showing Nos.3, 2 & 1 Recess
Exterior view of the 5 bay magazine. Unfortunately the heavy steel doors have been removed in recent years
One of two small shelters with the new houses in the background
One of the two rectangular emplacements. We were informed by a local that this one imploded sadly killing the gun crew, which we are still looking for further confirmation on
One of the four octagonal emplacements. Doors to the ammunition lockers have all been removed & it was difficult to find the holdfast mountings for the guns
Motor transport workshop/gun store
The semi-sunken Command Post in the centre of the Battery, with three rooms inside & observation platforms on the exterior
Stood at the steps leading down to the CP, showing the pillar for the height range finder & steps to the roof
Inside the largest of three rooms
Inside one of the smaller rooms
The site is on private farmland in everyday use & much of it is very overgrown, although there was a nice surprise in store in the 5 bay Magazine. Visted with theterrorwheel & friends after a rather comical day.
Our guide for the visit, very friendly leading us into the 5 bay magazine...
....which contained the surprise of the day!
Another view showing Nos.3, 2 & 1 Recess
Exterior view of the 5 bay magazine. Unfortunately the heavy steel doors have been removed in recent years
One of two small shelters with the new houses in the background
One of the two rectangular emplacements. We were informed by a local that this one imploded sadly killing the gun crew, which we are still looking for further confirmation on
One of the four octagonal emplacements. Doors to the ammunition lockers have all been removed & it was difficult to find the holdfast mountings for the guns
Motor transport workshop/gun store
The semi-sunken Command Post in the centre of the Battery, with three rooms inside & observation platforms on the exterior
Stood at the steps leading down to the CP, showing the pillar for the height range finder & steps to the roof
Inside the largest of three rooms
Inside one of the smaller rooms
