Having the morning free I chose to go back to a few old haunts, starting at RAF Dunkirk. On my walk in, it was evident at just how bad the bushes, brambles and stinging nettles had become. It wasn't as bad as the walk in to Farthingloe AA Battery but enough to cause aggravation. Having used my tripod to help push through I was soon at the main building. As per previous visits, there was a ton load of litter and graffiti throughout the site. Main difference was the now lack of accessibility to the roof, and other areas due to the jungle of bushes, thorns, etc. A quick look round, as is my usual habit to ensure I had the place to myself, and then I go to work with the D5500 and mobile. Not sure whether it was my desire to crack on as quickly as possible so I could get onto the next location or just the poor state of the place, but I would later find my photo's to be fairly crap, never mind. Before leaving I did notice that one of the outer blast walls was started to lean and break away, not good. A bit annoyed I was unable to get past the brambles, to check on the other sections, I was also a little pleased as all I wanted to do now is relocate to my second site for the day.
On this occasion I have chosen to display some pics before the history side of things, just for a bit of variety. .
History, courtesy of Historic England:
The World War II Chain Home Radar station at Dunkirk, 200m north east of Christ Church is particularly important in terms of the development and early implementation of radar, representing its first use beyond the experimental phase. The station survives well and is one of only seven Chain Home sites nationally which is virtually complete, with its ground structures and layout still visible and its interior untouched by modern development. It therefore provides an understanding of the original form and function of Chain Home stations and as such, it is an important historic complex, serving as a physical record of similar stations which have been demolished elsewhere. Historically, the importance of the site is further enhanced by the significant part it played in the defence of Britain against aerial bombardment throughout World War II, and its continued significance during the early Cold War period. Surviving Chain Home transmitter towers are extremely rare nationally and Dunkirk is one of only five sites to retain any of their original towers. The survival of the tower greatly amplifies the significance of the site. Furthermore, it is a prominent feature in the landscape which has become a familiar local landmark and a fitting tribute to those who served in the defence of Britain during the principal conflict of the 20th century. The transmitter tower is protected as a Listed Building Grade II.
If you would like to read more about the great history of this place, there are literally pages and pages on the internet (which I couldn't be bothered to read through lol). But if you like a good read, have at it!
Worth a visit but be prepared for the usual horrible brambles, litter, etc., perhaps on my next visit I will bring some bin liners and clear the place up.
Till next time, this is Urban Ginger Hog signing off.
On this occasion I have chosen to display some pics before the history side of things, just for a bit of variety. .
History, courtesy of Historic England:
The World War II Chain Home Radar station at Dunkirk, 200m north east of Christ Church is particularly important in terms of the development and early implementation of radar, representing its first use beyond the experimental phase. The station survives well and is one of only seven Chain Home sites nationally which is virtually complete, with its ground structures and layout still visible and its interior untouched by modern development. It therefore provides an understanding of the original form and function of Chain Home stations and as such, it is an important historic complex, serving as a physical record of similar stations which have been demolished elsewhere. Historically, the importance of the site is further enhanced by the significant part it played in the defence of Britain against aerial bombardment throughout World War II, and its continued significance during the early Cold War period. Surviving Chain Home transmitter towers are extremely rare nationally and Dunkirk is one of only five sites to retain any of their original towers. The survival of the tower greatly amplifies the significance of the site. Furthermore, it is a prominent feature in the landscape which has become a familiar local landmark and a fitting tribute to those who served in the defence of Britain during the principal conflict of the 20th century. The transmitter tower is protected as a Listed Building Grade II.
If you would like to read more about the great history of this place, there are literally pages and pages on the internet (which I couldn't be bothered to read through lol). But if you like a good read, have at it!
Worth a visit but be prepared for the usual horrible brambles, litter, etc., perhaps on my next visit I will bring some bin liners and clear the place up.
Till next time, this is Urban Ginger Hog signing off.
