D/F Tower

**Richard Drew** · 19-11-2012, 17:04

HUFDUF due south.jpgIbsley DF station, the metal plate is set into the ground due north. There are stones set out in compass form with north just behind this plate.

HUFDUF3-800.jpg The entrance, where the tree is we think it was a hole forming a cable duct. (the cable may have been dug out and earth not replaced.

HUFDUF-east800.jpgThis is the view from the east looking due south. Note it is NOT on flat land and is set just over the ridge? could this be relevant when it is used?

**mbriscoe** · 19-11-2012, 17:30

Some pictures of a RN WWII DF station on Tiree

And another in Sutherland here.

**Richard Drew** · 19-11-2012, 17:44

HUFDUF-wireless shack800.jpgAgain back to the east of the DF which is to the left of the horse. Two holes made of concrete with two salt glazed drain pipes. four RAW Bolts ill fitted. and two pole ties and note the size of the pole from the tie down strop. A cable ran underground, we could not see where it came out (Time Team were busy with a Roman). Then a temporary brick hut and then an air-raid shelter.

HUFDUF-wireless shack3small800.jpgFrom the top of the air-raid shelter, the TB hut made into two sections with a fire place on the right and two cupboards (toilet/toilets) on the left. to the right a flat area where we feel a lean-to may have held a generator (no evidence) and a double door.

HUFDUF-GPO800.jpg Found in the rubble pile.

Untitled_Panorama2800.jpgR to L TB hut, Air-Raid shelter and HF/DF

Untitled_Panorama1800.jpgInside the HF/DF wall showing the shape of the wooden building that was bolted down by threads set in the conrete with a central cable trench running from L to R. The brick return has been cut back to fit the tower very snugly in. Just inside the entrance is a step up to the ground floor.

**Gypsymoth** · 19-11-2012, 17:47

I was with Richard yesterday when 3 of us took a look at the DF remains on Ibsley Common. Thanks for the Scottish links mbriscoe.....is there any chance of seeing your 1946 aerial photo ?
Those panoramic views are great Richard...........

Terry.

**Richard Drew** · 19-11-2012, 18:10

F01-3041_RAF SU 17669 10197 -ZOOM-800.jpg1940's air photo showing the area.

air closeup800.jpgThis is a closeup of the tower, not the two square (cable/trenches?) set out in compass fasion.

boundry800.jpgThe (cable trenches?) today and one of the concrete compass point, two feet long concrete block. One (this one on its side) the other in the distance s

**Sparky67** · 01-12-2012, 17:49

Could THIS be the remains of another VHF DF tower - on Cleeve Hill near Cheltenham? The shape and approx size looks right...and it would have been in a really good location for VHF DF work.

Query VHF DF Site.kmz

**mbriscoe** · 01-12-2012, 18:35

Originally Posted by Sparky67

Could this be the remains of another VHF DF tower? The shape and approx size looks right...and it would have been in a really good location.

Query VHF DF Site.kmz

Have you noticed that there is a 1945 image available there? Can't make anything out by your marker but the radio station at the end of the road was there with two perhaps three masts or towers.

**Sparky67** · 01-12-2012, 20:26

Yep, had a look at the 1945 image and there's no sign of it on there. Censored perhaps? It's not too clear on some of the later years' either. The straight (power feed?) trench is pretty clear but there doesn't seem to be a square trench around the structure like other VHF DF sites. I worked at one of the radio installations on Cleeve Hill a few years ago and could have had a look at what's there then. I feel a day out in Cheltenham coming on !