Pilsey Island

[PNK]

Already mentioned in another thread to do with RP trials (http://www.airfieldinformationexchan...y-Island/page2), I came across it again in connection with Thorney Island. Pilsea (sic) was noted as being used by Hampdens of 415sqn in September 1943 for low level bombing practice. It only cropped up for those dates and I could find no record before or after that in AIR 28/845. It points to it being used as a bombining range but maybe short lived with no real facilities just a target and photographic recording with a rear facing cameras.

At the same time there was also an experiment on clearing a Mk IV Minefield using Hedgehog or Hedgerow (both names occur in the text!) on the island or near to it.

[PETERTHEEATER]

Hedgehog

Anti-submarine weapon used by surface ships during WWII. A
mulitiple spigot mortar, that fired 24 explosive charges with contact
fuses, in a circular pattern in front of the submarine hunter.

Hedgerow

Minefield clearing weapon. A variation on 'Hedgehog', fitted to
landing craft. The projectiles were fitted with 20in fuses, to detonate
mines on the beaches by their blast.

I assume that by 20 in (inch) Fuzes the shells had extension rods to ensure that they detonated above ground to trigger buried mines.

[PNK]

Well that explains the use of both words in the documents. Ther was a rocket firing LCT tested off Hayling Island around this time but not sure if they were connected.