Heathfield Instation

Beatrice Temple states in her diary; May 26 1942 - Heathfield. Troops everywhere.

Sept 18 1942 Heathfield – Barden with man beginning the sad business of taking over. (She continues to visit through 1943 so this is not the end of the ATS at Heathfield.)

4 Sep 1943 Cooked our breakfast, brought mugs of tea by RAF Regiment man. Visited Heathfield and Harrietsham (with mushroom lunch in between) Heathfield went to Zero while there and Harrietsham was installed.

Oct 31 1943 Drove to Heathfield to meet Major Jones and Dickens was discussed. Mrs Whately new DATS. Overnight at home. Petrol to get back supplied by Canadian Unit.

Nov 4 1943 Major Jones rang up to say Heathfield is closing.

Nov 10 1943 Rang Kitty Hill's.- Betty Dicken had not slept in billet. Rang Muriel Vaile – no news. Drove over after lunch met Kitty at Heathfield at 9.30 pm found Betty gassed. Rang HQ and Signals from hut. Mr Oakey and Freddie arrived with 2 men at 12.30. Mr Oakey drove her car and both stayed at her home (Chailey) overnight.

Nov 12 1943 Heathfield cleared Hut with Kitty.

Wynne Read described the Instation as a Met Hut located just within the perimeter walls of the Park, left of the entrance from Tower Street. It contained wireless equipment.

The underground dugout was further into the Park. It was accessed by pressing a small switch hidden under the bark of a tree which revealed a trap door with a ladder leading down to a small room. Under a shelf another switch revealed another room which contained the wireless and bunks. Another smaller room contained the chemical toilet and escape tunnel. There was also a generator.

Heathfield Park is a private residence.