Colyton is a historic town in Devon approximately three miles from Seaton.
| Name | Occupation | Posted from | Until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sergeant Norman Wilfred Bartlett | Poultry farmer |
13 Jun 1941 | 03 Dec 1944 |
| Private Arthur Richard Broom | Farm worker |
20 Aug 1942 | 03 Dec 1944 |
| Private Geoffrey Charles Gibbins | Farm worker |
04 Mar 1942 | 03 Dec 1944 |
| Private Arthur James Hallett | Cowman |
01 Sep 1941 | 03 Dec 1944 |
| Private Walter Henry James Hutchings | Tractor driver |
19 Feb 1941 | 03 Dec 1944 |
| Private Lawrence Hiram Edward Littley | Poultry farmer |
14 Jul 1942 | 03 Dec 1944 |
| Private Reginald Ernest Littley | Gas stoker |
30 Jul 1942 | 03 Dec 1944 |
| Private William Francis Quick | Farmer |
29 Apr 1941 | 03 Dec 1944 |
| Private Robert Clive Summers | Farm worker |
01 Sep 1941 | 03 Dec 1944 |
The OB is located on PRIVATE land in a small wood off Colyton Road, north of Colcumbe. The OB appears to have been removed as only a large depression in the ground remains. The depression measures approximately 22 foot by 12 foot. Infill of soil and leaf debris has made it impossible to measure accurately. A pathway runs next to the depression. On the other side of the path, on the downward slope is a smaller depression which could be the exit of the escape tunnel. A gazed vent pipe is nearby. The slop leads down to the edge of the wood and a ditch which could have been cover for an escape.
This Patrol appears to of used an interesting Observational Post. On higher ground above the OB and nearer to the edge of the wood is a Scotts Pine tree. The total height of the tree is 72 foot. Running 60 foot up the tree are 19 metal stakes embedded in the tree, to use and hand and foot holds, making it able to climb. There are 19 stakes plus 3 that have been lost or removed. The stakes are 4 inches long. From the top of this tree there would have been a fine view of the surrounding area and important transport routes.
Colyton Patrol
It seems likely that the Patrol would have targeted the main roads including the A35, A3052, including the bridge over the River Axe, and A358 also the Southern Railway line to the north at Seaton Junction.
Unknown but it is assumed they had access to the standard equipment and arms.
The Patrol seems to have been set up relatively late in the war. Whilst many of the East Devon Patrols seem to have been set up in 1940, the Colyton Patrol members joined in late 1941 and 1942.
This may go someway to explain the apparent close proximity of some of the East Devon Patrols but any information on the Colyton Patrol will be very helpful.
TNA ref WO199/3391
Hancock data held at B.R.A
1939 Register
The kindness of the landowners.