Arne, Purbeck: World War II gun emplacement

On the top of Arne Hill are the remains of a Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery. This redoubt comprised emplacements for four 3.7 inch guns, manned by 56th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. Three of the four emplacements can be seen in this photo, but the furthest (to the right) may be difficult to discern.

The battery played an important role in protecting Poole Harbour and the cordite factory at Holton Heath -which lay close to the harbour, between Wareham and Poole- from attack.


Cordite

Cordite has been used since the late 19th century as a propellant for large weapons, particularly field and naval guns. The Royal Navy Cordite Factory was built at Holton Heath during World War I. Between the wars it was it was improved by the addition of a nitroglycerin plant which was designed and installed by (would you believe it?) a German firm.

Not surprisingly, the factory was to be a prime target for German bombing raids in World War II. In fact the factory's cordite huts were widely dispersed and thus extremely difficult targets to hit. "Starfish" decoy fires were lit at night, encouraging Luftwaffe bombers to release their bombs safely over open countryside instead of the sensitive sites a few miles away.


Starfish decoy sites

A network of tar barrels and pipes carrying paraffin were ignited at various sites on Arne Heath. This made it appear from the air as if bombs were exploding and buildings burning.



N.B. Arne Hill is owned by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) but is not generally open to the public.