Lytchett Matravers Outstation

Location
Lytchett Matravers, Dorset
Type
Outstation
Call sign
Osterley 8
Up station
Special Duties Personnel
Role Name Posted from Until
Observer Mr Thomas Cox Waterman Unknown 20 Jul 1944
Operator Mrs Theresa Maud Rachel Oldham 1940 20 Jul 1944
Station description

The Outstation was at Alder Rise on Huntick Road. The wartime owner was a lady who was also the wireless operator. Apparently her son heard her talking when there was nobody else in the house and went to investigate, finding her transmitting from the bedroom.

The location of this site was identified using a wartime map reference provided from Royal Signals Sergeant Alf Ellis’ wartime diary via Arthur Gabbitas to the Defence of Britain Project. There is only one house in the area of this map reference. Contact with recent past owners of the property through a local resident provided confirmation. Apparently there are a few remnants of the hiding place remaining in the house. Sergeant Ellis described the location of the set as being in an out-building. It may be that it was moved after the above episode!

The house may have been chosen because of its isolated location, together with its views into Poole Harbour, the largest natural harbour in Europe and an obvious target for an invasion force.

Pictures
Image
Caption & credit
Lytchett Matravers Outstation view from house (Arden Nicholson)
Image
Caption & credit
The floor plan of the upper house shows that the upper left bedroom had two large windows looking to the south east.
Map Location

Lytchett Matravers Outstation

References

Information from Alf Ellis diary via Arthur Gabbitas
Site visit (viewed from road only)
Personal Correspondence with Rob Holden