Monument record MBC44970 - 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 west side of the lane between Stratton Audley Mill and Oldfields Copse and centred at SP 62567 28273, the ammunition storage area comprises 7 rectangular buildings, each about 5 x 3 metres and with long side perpendicular to the lane, each spaced about 13-14 metres apart and spread out over 100 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 and 1947, all have been demolished by 1961 (1-5).