Somerleyton Lake Patrol

Although the location of the OB is located in Suffolk the Patrol formed part of Norfolk Group 9, one of the Norfolk/Suffolk border Patrols with members from both counties.

Size of the main chamber is approximately 4.90 x 2.75m with an adjoining chamber (collapsed) of approximately the same dimensions it is orientated: E/W -- 6.7m ASL

The main entrance opening is 1.60m x 0.90m with a 3.50m deep drop-down shaft lined with corrugated iron sheets. The Length of the emergency escape tunnel is approximately 8 metres.

The OB was dug about 3.50 deep into level ground in mature woodland and is in good condition. It was accessed via a wooden ladder (deteriorated) in a drop-down shaft, the earthen walls of which are lined with corrugated iron sheets.

The entrance cover (no longer in place) was opened by using a counterweight that has since fallen to the bottom of the shaft, where we found it under a deep cover of leaves. The counterweight is a large rectangular piece of concrete, pitched, with a length of gas pipe through one end used as pivots.

Both end walls are lined with corrugated sheets that are painted quite a bright hue of white and held in place by a frame of sturdy wooden posts. Vent openings with ceramic pipes still in them can be seen on each side of the wall nearest the entrance. Vent holes can also be observed in the opposite wall, the pipes, however, appear to have been dislodged when the adjoining chamber collapsed.

Above ground a clearly discernible depression marks the location of a second chamber and of the emergency exit (both collapsed) which ran in a straight line for about 8 metres. A number of short sections of corrugated sheets can be seen at its end, where the opening would have been.
The collapse of the adjoining second chamber has resulted in the far wall having become convex and some of the supporting posts are damaged. The doorway into the second chamber is blocked by crumpled sections of corrugated sheets.

The curved corrugated iron roof of the main chamber is resting on concrete plinths that appear to have been painted off-white. At the far end, the ground has been heightened to form a platform that is level with the top of the plinths. We were unable to establish why.

The main chamber contains four sleeping platforms, placed on their sides and resting against the curved wall. These ‘bunks’ measure 2.50m in length (approximately) and were constructed from pine bearers with roughly cut slats across. The upwards-facing side of the slats is covered with what appears to be roofing felt, presumably to protect from rising dampness. These contraptions would have been laid across the width of the main chamber, resting on the plinths when in use.

Other physical remains found were an old glass bottle (pre-war type stopper that opens with a twist). 4 wooden bunks and a concrete counterweight. Vent pipes (2 of 4 in situ).

A small red triangle is painted higher up on the wall. Who painted it and why we do not know.

According to David Leech (son of Sergeant Leech), his father told him that the OB used to have a chimney that was hidden inside a ‘planted’ hollow tree trunk.