Aldbrough Auxiliary Unit Patrol

A report by CART CIO for Yorkshire Andy Gwynne. If you can help with any info please contact us.

This page last updated at 11:04am on 20/12/11

Aldbrough patrol was part of the Southern Area of the East Riding which consisted of five groups 5 to 9. Aldbrough was in No 5 group along with Bewholme, Catwick, Skirlaugh and Hornsea Patrols

It is unknown when the patrol was formed.

The area group Commander was Captain Walter Kitching (b 07/08/1897) who was the steward at Grimston Estate. He was also Group Commander of No5 Group. His assistant Area Group Commander was Captain Carrington (b.Dec1899) and was also Group Commander of the No7 Group.

The following are the entries found in the Nominal Roll. Exact addresses have been removed by CART.

* Pte Blanchard was also a member of the Bewholme Patrol at some stage and a Corporal Kenneth Foot, Schoolhouse, Grimston was also listed as a earlier member.

The OB is located 1.5 miles South of the village of Aldbrough within managed private woodland on top a raised area. It was not known if this was man made or a natural rise in the area however the ground around is very wet and maybe the OB was placed on a man made hill of sorts as a first Mk 1 OB was dismantled and a new Mk3 OB built on the raised area. Flooding was probably the culprit.

On top of the OB was a large pile of soil where we were told ventilation Pipes extruded underneath. They had been covered for safety reasons. We were also informed that in the same wood were ammunition underground stores that had been built but had never been found.

First OB (Above) was a Mk1 which dropped out of use and was destroyed. A MK3 was built and has been capped for safety reasons due to there being children on site as the wood is used as a Scout Summer Camp.

Condition of OB: Seemed to be in good condition although no access could be gained.

Size of OB and entrance/exit etc: Main entrance shaft capped with concrete (Above).

12ft wide x 20ft long. The escape tunnel was some 40 feet away and doglegged. Escape Hatch was found. (See below)

Orientation of OB: East to West

Observation Post/s: None.

Not known

Training was carried out at Rise Park and Middleton Hall. 

Revolvers, Sten Guns, Sticky Bombs, Hand Grenades and a 2ft Rubber Cosh.

None Currently

Defence of Britain Archive, East Ridings Secret Resistance by Alan Williamson 2004
Mr Rob Siddle Trustee for ....... Wood (Name removed to preserve the site).

If you can help with any info please contactus.