Watchet Patrol

Locality

Watchet is a harbour town situated 15 miles west of Bridgwater, 15 miles north-west of Taunton, and 9 miles east of Minehead.

Patrol members
Name Occupation Posted from Until
Lieutenant Thomas Henry Down

Farmer

07 Apr 1941 03 Dec 1944
Private George S. Andow

Farm carter and gardener.

10 Sep 1941 03 Dec 1944
Private Edward Percy Bennett Andress

Transport driver

28 Jun 1940 31 Dec 1942
Private Thomas Bruford

Farm carter

10 Sep 1941 03 Dec 1944
Private Ivor Charles Hole

Transport lorry driver

05 Aug 1940 03 Dec 1944
Private Elias Kirby

Garage foreman road haulage

20 Jun 1940 03 Dec 1944
Private John Alfred Pope

Crane driver paper mill

23 Jul 1942 Unknown
Operational Base (OB)

The OB is thought to have been in Staple Plantation. It is recorded the remains of an elephant shelter survives in Staple Plantation. It comprises a pit 12 feet square containing corrugated iron and an old stove. It was used by forestry workers after the war. There is a rumour of a hide at Steart, this is unconfirmed.

OB Status
Location not known
Location

Watchet Patrol

References

TNA ref WO199/3390 & WO199/3391

Hancock data held at B.R.A

1939 Register

Coastal anti-invasion Holford's History