Emergency Water Storage

[morty_75]

Hi folks,

Does anyone have any idea what the internal depth was, (assuming there was a standard) in a wartime EWS tank? The attached image is of a brick one which appear common on dispersed sites. I'm thinking that perhaps when the sites around them were cleared some of the "junk" may have been dumped into them.

[TJJ]

The EWS at North Weald, which is still in use, is the large bunker-like structure opposite the museum and memorial. it is at least ten feet above ground level and hold 250,000 gallons from memory. When I'm back on roster on Monday I'll take some pics.

[PETERTHEEATER]

morty_75, welcome to AiX.

It is unlikely that there was a 'standard' of dimensions for EWS for wartime build (austerity) airfields although there may have been for the pre-war permanent stations. The deciding factor in my opinion would be the amount of water (capacity) judged to be required to cover the protected area. So, if you would elaborate on your sites of interest, AiX members may have copies of Record Site Plans (RSPs) that show capacities. You have stimulated me into looking through mine (tonight!) to see if there is a pattern.

I have looked at AP3236 which makes this statement:

The water storage reservoirs and fixer booster installations which were normal equipment on permanent stations for fire protection were considered impracticable for the dispersed layout employed during the war years. A modified form of fire protection was therefore evolved which relied upon storage in the station high level tank to feed hydrants on all the main sites and employing mobile fire pumps. Static water tanks were provided at strategic points to supplement the supply available from the distribution system.

[Richard Drew]

main06.jpgRAF Stanton Harcourt shows an EWS right behind the fire pump house. A good combination.
http://www.atlantikwall.co.uk/atlant...tml/page06.htm


fire%20trailer%20pump.jpg

Richard

www.atlantikwall.co.uk

[ianbache]

There are quite a few doted around Llanbedr, ive only got pics of the signs though, which unfortunately doesn't show how big they are, but whether they could of used them for a emergency may be a cause of debate, as they were found to contain great crested newts, a endangered species, before the MOD left Llanbedr they had to create ponds on the site to house the newts.
heres the pics

[Richard Drew]

If you notice that under the New RAF they all have to be covered with wire mesh to stop young men from accidentally falling in them. Health and safety. The reason they were open was to allow instant access. Now you will need a key which was kept at the guard room which has now been closed down under government cuts.

main05.JPGA good example RAF Weston-on-the-Green, I think its to stop a sky diver from falling in.
dennistrailer%20pump.jpg

RAF Weston-on-the-Green

Richard

www.atlantikwall.co.uk

[PETERTHEEATER]

......I think its to stop a sky diver from falling in.

No, under European Legislation, all aircraft doors are to be welded shut to prevent parachutists from falling out.

[TJJ]

As promised, the pictures of the EWS at North Weald. Its capacity is actually 100,000 gallons. Sadly, the local yoof have been playing with spray cans.

[PETERTHEEATER]

I have peered over a selection of Record Site Plans for Static Water Tanks/Emergency Water Supply. Looking only at wartime build airfields and an austerity 'expansion' station (St Eval) the most common is:

Static Water Tank - Brick or Concrete - 10,000 gallons - AM Drawing 4100/40. On most RSPs it is drawn as a square symbol with a diagonal cross. Allowing that this was 6 feet deep (1.8m) and was actually square that would give internal dimensions of about 30 feet (9m) square. But was part of the volume below ground level and part above contained by a low wall?

One-off designs to local Temporary Drawing appear. e.g Moreton Valence - capacity unknown - TD/4094

Blakehill Farm shown with a circular steel tank of 20,000 gallons to AM drawing 7241/43

TJJ - Your photos look to be a civil EWS, i.e. not an airfield tank?

[TJJ]

It is opposite the old main entrance to the Airfield (now the Museum) and there are other surviving RAF buildings nearby. The housing developments are relatively new and a whole estate has been put up on former Airfield land. Unlikely to be a civvie EWS.