Monument record MBC44968 - A Second World War roadside ammunition dump, Barton Hill Farm

A Second World War roadside ammunition dump is visible on historic aerial photographs and was mapped as part of the North Buckinghamshire Aerial Investigation and Mapping project (EBC18304). Located along the east side of the lane between Barton Hill Farm and Stratton Audley Mill and centred at SP 62915 29061, the ammunition storage area comprises 12 rectangular buildings, each about 5 x 3 metres, laid out in pairs along the lane, each pair spaced about 8-10 metres apart and spread out over 94 metres. These portable corrugated iron shelters, or hutments, were usually camouflaged and covered stacks of artillery or small arms ammunition. Roadside storage not only made the ammunition easily accessible but dispersed the risk of a large loss of munitions in one event as a result of a German air raid or accidental explosion. Visible on aerial photographs taken in 1946, all have been demolished by 1947 (1-4).