Information for record number MWA8000:
Firing range, RAF Atherstone on Stour

Summary The site of a Second World War firing range associated with the airfield to the north east of Atherstone on Stour. The firing range was located on the east side of the airfield, 700m north of Fir Grove.
What Is It?  
Type: Firing Range
Period: Unknown
Where Is It?  
Parish: Atherstone on Stour
District: Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire
Grid Reference: SP 22 51
(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
Description

  
Source Number  

1 A target wall and firing positions can be seen adjacent to the railway embankment. The size and strength of the target wall show that this range was for the test firing of 20mm cannon. As such cannon were not fitted to British bomber aircraft this range is the sole visible evidence that there was any intention to base fighter aircraft at this station. It is understood that this would have been done only in the event of invasion necessitating removal of the Government from London to Stratford on Avon. The target wall is in very good condition but the firing positions are much delapidated.
 
Sources
Source No: 1
Source Type: Unpublished document
Title: Field Visit Notes
Author/originator: Brace, J
Date: 1997
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Images:  
There are no images associated with this record.  
back to top

Glossary

 
Word or Phrase
Description  
monument SITE * Unclassifiable site with minimal information. Specify site type wherever possible. back
monument RAILWAY EMBANKMENT * A man-made ridge to carry a railway across a declivity or area subject to flooding. back
monument FIELD * An area of land, often enclosed, used for cultivation or the grazing of livestock. back
monument CANNON * A large mounted gun, now disused and placed in a prominent position as a piece of street furniture or as a "feature". back
monument AIRCRAFT * An aircraft, either whole or in part. Aircraft often survive as commemorative monuments, gate guardians or crash sites. 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 TARGET * Any structure or object, used for the purpose of practice shooting by aerial, seaborne or land mounted weapons. back
monument WALL * An enclosing structure composed of bricks, stones or similar materials, laid in courses. Use specific type where known. back
monument FIRING RANGE * A piece of ground over which small arms or large artillery may be fired at targets. For rocket and missile firing use ROCKET TEST FACILITY. back

* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)

English Heritage National Monuments Record