Kenilworth WW2 anti-aircraft battery to be opened to public

An anti-aircraft battery in Kenilworth is being opened to the public this month and the group behind this hopes to schedule the site and turn it into an educational resource for the future.



The Friends of Anti Aircraft Battery @ Goodrest Farm have been clearing the site on Rouncil Lane and researching its history for some time.

They will share their knowledge and the cleared site with the rest of the town on Sunday November 20 from 11am to 2pm.

This date was picked because it coincides with the week of the heaviest bombing of Coventry during World War II.

Brenda Semple, vice-chairman of the group, said: “This site is of great interest to many people living in the town, so we want to utilise it and make it accessible as an educational and historical resource.”

In 1940 the heavy anti-aircraft battery, known as Bannerhill Camp, was sited at the farm as part of the anti-aircraft defences for Birmingham and Coventry.

There were five gun emplacements for the static 3.7 anti-aircraft guns with GL Mk 11 Radar. Four of these gun emplacements still remain and the foundations of the command post.

Further along Rouncil Lane were three huts and a search light which worked in conjunction with the guns.

The gun emplacement was built of blocks and earth banks to protect the outside of the positions.

Each gun position has two crew shelters and the control room is built partly below ground level and is reached down a flight of steps.

Members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, who were all young women, served as spotters, while regular soldiers manned the guns.

The site was known as H25 and included living accommodation.

When the guns were finally removed to Southern England, the site was used as a Prisoner of War Camp for around 80 German and Italian prisoners.

More details of the camp and its history can be found here: World War 2 in Kenilworth