Skirlaugh Patrol

The first OB was in a field adjoining Benningholme Hall. A square dug out which was made of wire netting and wood.

The second OB was located to the south of the bridge at Skirlaugh in a small copse of trees, known as Minster Hill,  on the bank of the Swine, Benningholme and Arnold Ings. Apparently a reserve of explosives and ammunition was kept in a garden shed at Springfield House which is within the village.

When the East Riding Headquarters moved from Rise into Middleton on the Wolds, the Skirlaugh Patrol took over the Rise OB. It must have seemed like heaven moving from a cramped OB into the 45 foot main chamber of Rise. 

The OB was used as the County HQ for some time before it moved to Middleton-on-the-Wolds. It was somewhat custom built by the plans made from Captain Peter Hollis who was the Commanding Officer / Intelligence Officer for East Riding. Being the HQ location, this dictated the size of the OB so it would accommodate extra supplies for other Patrols and could accommodate other Patrol members who’s own Patrol OB had been destroyed or discovered. When the HQ moved to Middleton on the Wolds the Skirlaugh Patrol moved in to this OB.

This base was featured on 'Antique Road Trip' (BBC One 28 Sept 2016) with Aux Re-Enactor Ian Turton.

The OB is huge and was very hard to see from the ground, it was so well concealed within the landscape that I doubt we would have found it without the landowners help.