I
Historical
background to Berry Head 1940-1945
In July 1940, an Observer Corps post (part of the RAF Fighter
Command's coastal reporting network) was established on Berry
Head, within the old Napoleonic-era northern fort. As part of the
Brixham defences, the Royal Artillery placed a Bofors anti-aircraft
gun on the headland, which was augmented later by two American
Bofors guns. Just before D-Day, the defensive firepower from
Berry Head was greatly increased with the arrival of a battery of
4.5-inch anti-aircraft guns.
Archaeological
evidence
Excavations and a metal detector survey carried out by Brixham
Heritage Museum's Field Research Team (directed by Dr. Philip L.
Armitage) on Berry Head between 2000 and 2004 produced
artefactual evidence of WWII military activity in the area. The
2000 excavations were located near the site of two demolished
Victorian cottages ("stone ruin" on the map) built 1828
and abandoned c.1906. The 2003-2004 metal detector survey was
carried out on Berry Head Common.
Illustrations by Robert Rouse of a selection of the WWII
artefacts are shown below.
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Bakelite cover of a Lucas 6 volt lead acid battery, c. 1940; probably for a motorcycle (perhaps used by a despatch-rider?) |
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Rifle cartridges: F.12: .303 calibre, Radway Green manufactured Mk 7 Ball, dated 1940 F.7: .303 calibre, Radway Green manufactured incendiary Mk 6 Z, dated 1941 F.10: .30-06 calibre, US Remington Arms manufactured, dated 1941 F. 8: probably also .30-06, no markings |
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Protective (water-proof) cone for combustion time fuze of the type used on anti-aircraft shells. Copper-alloy, painted white (or cream?), with the letters "F.F.O.". Securing band is stamped with the letters "B & H". Another securing band from a second fuze cover (not illustrated) is stamped "No.5 I.F.G.H." |
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Copper-alloy base closing plug for Mills No. 36 grenade. Damage on plug indicates it is from a detonated grenade. Mills No. 36 grenades when fitted with a gas check plate could be fired from the "E-Y Rifle" (ordinary rifle fitted with a cup discharger on the muzzle). According to Museum member Ron Coleman, who served in the Brixham Home Guard during WWII, and who had experience of practicing with such weapons, the grenade would have a range of about 70yards. |
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