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HA2 Kirby-le-Soken is a decoy site constructed during World War II to divert enemy bombing raids away from nearby strategic targets in Essex. The installation consisted of dummy buildings and lighting arrangements designed to simulate an active airfield or industrial facility, creating a false target for German aircraft. Such decoy sites, known as "starfish" or "Q-sites" depending on their purpose, were an important element of British air defence strategy during the 1940s and represent a distinctive category of twentieth-century military heritage. The remains at Kirby-le-Soken preserve evidence of this wartime defensive infrastructure and its physical layout continues to be visible in the landscape.
World War II bombing decoy HA2 Kirby-le-Soken is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1019882. View the official record →
HA2 Kirby-le-Soken is a decoy site constructed during World War II to divert enemy bombing raids away from nearby strategic targets in Essex. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1019882.
World War II bombing decoy HA2 Kirby-le-Soken is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1019882.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Beaumont Quay, Hamford Water: a 19th century quay and lime kiln (2.9 km), Martello tower K and associated battery south west of Walton Mere (3.7 km), Heavy Anti-aircraft gunsite 350m north east of Little Oakley Hall (4.9 km).
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Research the area around World War II bombing decoy HA2 Kirby-le-Soken