St. Keyne Patrol

The Defence of Britain database records that St. Keyne Patrol built their own bunker in Trussel Wood. The operational base is now just a hole deep in the wood, but its shape and entrance and exit tunnels are still clearly visible. The operational base measured approximately 12 foot by 20 foot and was 8 foot in height. The main bunker room was constructed from corrugated sheeting with timber on top.

The entrance tunnel was straight and measured about 14 foot in length. The exit tunnel was curved, about 15 foot in length, with a spur running off about half way along its length. Explosives were stored in the exit tunnel. Both tunnels were accessed through well camouflaged 4 foot square trap doors. These doors were built with timber, carried soil and turf on top which was covered in wire netting.

Ventilation pipes made from 4 inch salt glazed pipes were fitted in the roof of the bunker at 6 foot intervals and were also covered in wire netting and moss.

A fireplace was built in the bunker, constructed with a wrought iron surround, a corrugated iron chimney and a fire grate. All three items can still be seen at the site. The chimney went out through a hollow tree. Bunks were made from timber frames covered in diamond-shaped expanded metal netting. The bunker could sleep up to seven members of the Patrol. Running water was laid to the OB through 1.5 inch galvanised pipe running from a spring further up the hill into the wood. This lead to a tap with a standard brown and white sink which was located in the spur leading from the exit tunnel.

The Patrol built an observation lookout post in a field hedgerow on high ground about half a mile north of St. Keyne village and about 100 yards south of their operational base with long distance views of Liskeard and Plymouth. The two structures were linked by a field telephone. It was about 4 foot square and 8 foot deep, dug into the ground and well camouflaged.