Information for record number MWA9696:
Maxstoke Bombing Decoy Site

Summary A bombing decoy site from the Second World War designed to confuse the enemy into dropping their bombs in the wrong place. Documentary evidence places it 800m east of Maxstoke.
What Is It?  
Type: Bombing Decoy
Period: Unknown
Where Is It?  
Parish: Maxstoke
District: North Warwickshire, Warwickshire
Grid Reference: SP 22 86
(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. Maxstoke bombing decoy site in the Q programme for Birmingham. Lighting decoys were a cheap and effective method of confusing the enemy and their deployment dates from July 1941. Every site differed, so that they were a sort of theatrical lighting show to mimic the lights from some specific local vulnerable point. An associated shelter would have been built to house the generator/s and other equipment.
2 There is no evidence of the decoy site at the documented grid ref of SP224868 on an aerial photo from 1947.
 
Sources
Source No: 2
Source Type: Aerial Photograph
Title: SP28NW
Author/originator: RAF
Date: 1947
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 1
Source Type: Bibliographic reference
Title: Twentieth Century Fortifications in England
Author/originator: Dobinson, C S
Date: 1996
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet: III
   
Images:  
There are no images associated with this record.  
back to top

Glossary

 
Word or Phrase
Description  
technique Documentary Evidence Documentary evidence is another name for written records. The first written records in Britain date back to the Roman period. Documentary evidence can take many different forms, including maps, charters, letters and written accounts. When archaeologists are researching a site, they often start by looking at documentary evidence to see if there are clues that will help them understand what they might find. Documentary evidence can help archaeologists understand sites that are discovered during an excavation, field survey or aerial survey. back
monument BOMBING DECOY * A system of lights, controlled fires or dummy constructions, used during WWII to provide a counterfeit target for enemy aircraft. back
monument HOUSE * A building for human habitation, especially a dwelling place. Use more specific type where known. back
monument SITE * Unclassifiable site with minimal information. Specify site type wherever possible. back
monument SHELTER * A structure which protects an area of ground from the weather. back
monument FORTIFICATION * A usually permanent defensive work. Use specific type where known. back
monument BOMBING DECOY SITE * A site comprising a system of lights, controlled fires or dummy constructions, used during WWII to provide a counterfeit target for enemy aircraft. Use more specific type where known. back

* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)

English Heritage National Monuments Record