I know there's a bit for WW2 links somewhere, but I'm damned if I can find it. Anyway, this is a map of UK Ack-ack sites from a site called anti-aircraft- http://www.anti-aircraft.co.uk/HAA_gun_sites_map.html A bit large but still handy. This is their homepage- http://anti-aircraft.co.uk/ And this site gives you more info on guns, units etc- http://www.ra39-45.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/page3.html
2 good sites there Gordon, I used them to try and find out about Bredon Hill and surroundings...unfortunately I could never find a comprehensive site for fixed LAA unit locations. If you know of one let me know mate
5 Star rated. Nicely done. I would really like to see the same done for Axis AAA (and Searchlights) on the European Mainland. - given their mobility, I think it would still give a pretty good picture of their coverage areas.
Cheers! Think the map is based on the updated version of Dobinson's book Anti-aircraft Command. The paperback version's not long out and is quite affordable. I would really like to see that map combined with LAA sites and searchlight areas. Now that would be a visual treasure.
Really good sites, Gordon. I've been to the last one, but the first two are new to me. I'm a sucker for anything to do with maps. This was fun to look at, especially when linked with Google maps today.
Got that book Gordon...Ebay is our friend....Would love to have LAA fixed locations...must be somewhere out there.
I'm lucky enough to have copies of the war diaries of a few AA brigades in Scotland. All the VPs (vulnerable points) where LAA was permanently sited will be named, but the map refs are all Cassini Grid. I'll try and find the time to have a trawl and see what I can produce...it'll save me having to fight off dolly birds down the pub, I suppose...
Excellent sites, Gordon! The map on www.anti-aircraft.co.uk shows an AA site close to where I live that I never knew existed! I feel a re-con trip coming on!
I did a virtual re-con on Google Street View and it would appear that the site is on gated private land. So it looks like I will have to obtain the landowners permission before exploring the gun battery...unless I go at night, commando style (and I don't mean without wearing underwear! ).
Just look the landowner fearlessly in the eye as he races toward you, 12-bore in hand, bellowing 'Gerrorf moi laaaaaand !' and state in a clear voice : - 'I am engaged in vital research for the WWII Forums, my man...' Haven't tried it yet myself, but........ :i_surrender:
That method would certainly not work with a Cheshire farmer....they're a fiery bunch who shoot first and ask questions later! Would that be lead shot or salt I'd be getting launched at me?
2 of the finest leaded barrel shot I could find mate...Always have 2 on me if not the gun itself...so I may just throw em at you and shout gerrrt...off His laaarnd....After all...you could be a gipsy mate....
If I were a gipsy mate then you wouldn't even see nor hear me coming. It would be the dead of night when I'd turn up with my brand new Range Rover, transit van, 25ft caravan, 7 kids and 5 dogs. And next morning I'd be tarmacing your driveway for 'a very good price sir'!
What is it about the gypsies? I saw a VICE documentary about a public housing complex in some Eastern Europe country, I forgot which. The man being interviewed said the buildings were segregated not because of any official policy but because the gypsies insisted on bringing livestock into their apartments, a practice other people found objectionable.
