The forest in pocked with craters from the second world war, dozens of them. Some from deliberate Luftwaffe attacks, or dumping their munitions before the return trip across the channel; others were self inflicted in pursuit of victory. Near Godshill in the north of the forest is the site of a World War Two test range, the Ashley Range. They tested all sorts up here, both defensive and offensive; from air raid shelters and aircraft pens to Tall Boy and Grand Slam, the earthquake bombs whose craters are still visible adjacent to the mock submarine pen atop Hampton Ridge. They even tested 'Highball' a version of the Bouncing Bomb here. If you're into World War Two sites, it's a place worth exploring.
No comments:
Post a Comment