Information for record number MWA7989:
RAF Wellesbourne Mountford - Battle HQ

Summary A battle headquarters site, an underground command post with protected observation cupola at RAF Wellesbourne Mountford. It was built for the purpose of coordinating the defence of the airfield during the Second World War, primarily in the event of an attack by paratroops.
What Is It?  
Type: Battle Headquarters
Period: Unknown
Where Is It?  
Parish: Wellesbourne
District: Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire
Grid Reference: SP 26 54
(Data represented on this map shows the current selected record as a single point, this is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an accurate or complete representation of archaeological sites or features)
Level of Protection National - Old SMR PrefRef (Grade: )
Sites & Monuments Record
Picture(s) attached

  
Description

  
Source Number  

1 An underground command post (Type 1108/41) with protected observation cupola. For the defence of airfields primarily in the event of attack by paratroops. Now converted into a museum by the Wellesbourne Aviation Group, it remains in very good condition and almost unchanged since first built. However, handrails have been erected for public safety and a hut has been built over the main entrance to keep the rain out. For a similar reason the observation slit has been protected with perspex. The turf cover has also been removed.
2 Pamphlet.
3 Book.
4 Dimensioned drawing.
5 Dimensioned drawing.
6 Cut away 3D drawing.
7 Photographs.
8 'The battle headquarters was an underground office for the direction of airfield defence.'
9 A Second World War type 11008/41 battle headquarters at Wellesbourne airfield. The building was constructed in 1941 and comprises the standard 1941 pattern, combined subterranean rooms with a reinforced concrete observation cupola. The battle headquarters was intended to be the hub of airfield defences in the event of attack. A complete refurbishment took place in the late 1980s and it is now open to the public as a museum site with equipment and fittings accurate for the Second World War period
 
Sources
Source No: 3
Source Type: Bibliographic reference
Title: C20 Defences in Britain - Introductory Guide
Author/originator: Lowry, B. (ed)
Date: 1995
Page Number: 123
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 8
Source Type: Bibliographic reference
Title: British Military Airfield Architecture
Author/originator: Francis, P
Date: 1996
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 2
Source Type: Bibliographic reference
Title: Wellesbourne Wartime Museum
Author/originator:
Date:
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 6
Source Type: Bibliographic reference
Title: Type 1108/41 Battle HQ
Author/originator:
Date:
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 9
Source Type: Desk Top Study
Title: SE Warwickshire and Cotswolds NMP Project
Author/originator: Amanda Dickson
Date: 2010-2012
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 7
Source Type: Photograph
Title: Wellesbourne Mountford Battle HQ
Author/originator: Brace, J
Date: 1997
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 4
Source Type: Plan
Title: Wellesbourne Mountford Battle HQ
Author/originator: Brace, J
Date: 1997
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 5
Source Type: Plan
Title: Wellesbourne Mountford Battle HQ - Turret 8 escape hatch
Author/originator: Brace, J
Date: 1997
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 1
Source Type: Unpublished document
Title: Notes
Author/originator: Brace, J
Date: 1998
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Images:  
A Second World War battle headquarters associated with Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield
Copyright: J Brace
Date: 1998
Click here for larger image  
 
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Glossary

 
Word or Phrase
Description  
monument SITE * Unclassifiable site with minimal information. Specify site type wherever possible. back
monument BUILDING * A structure with a roof to provide shelter from the weather for occupants or contents. Use specific type where known. back
monument MILITARY AIRFIELD * A landing and taking-off area for military aircraft. Often includes ancilliary structures and buildings for the maintenance and storage of aircraft, etc. back
monument KEEP * The major tower of a fortification, often acting as its last defence. back
monument TURRET * A small tower or bartizan, which was often placed at the angles of a castle, to increase the flanking ability, some only serving as corner buttresses. Also used to describe the small rectangular towers situated between the milecastles along Hadrians Wall. back
monument COMMAND POST * A military building from which the guns of a battery were directed. back
monument HUT * A building of basic construction, usually smaller in size than a house and constructed from a variety of materials such as mud, turf, branches, wood, brick, concrete or metal. Use more specific type where known. back
monument MUSEUM * A building, group of buildings or space within a building, where objects of value such as works of art, antiquities, scientific specimens, or other artefacts are housed and displayed. back
monument DEFENCE * This is the top term for the class. See DEFENCE Class List for narrow terms. back
monument BATTLE HEADQUARTERS * A concrete structure designed to be the headquarters for the coordination of an airfield's defences. Constructed partially underground it was only intended to be occupied during an attack. back
monument AIRFIELD * An area or site used for the landing and take-off of aircraft, often including associated buildings, equipment and other installations. back
monument OFFICE * A building or room where business, administrative or professional activities are conducted. Use specific type where known. back

* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)

English Heritage National Monuments Record