Hi Brave D
Information about decoy and Q airfields on Flixton museum site www.aviationmuseum.net/
The remains of the one at Fulmodestone nr Fakenham Norfolk.(pic on site) is still there. Was the decoy for Foulsham.
Just came across this from Len Bartram's book RAF Foulsham 1942- 1947
Dummy aerodrome.
There was a Dummy (decoy) aerodrome site A-K later a Q site at nearby Fulmodeston its position was North side of the Hindolveston road not far from Raw Hall farm house. It was constructed during 1940/41 as a decoy for west Rayham when a number of wooden dummy Blenheim bombers were seen on the mock runway, lights were then installed, these lights were operated by a two man crew from a semi underground bunker on the edge of the site. An air raid shelter was constructed by the RAF for the occupants of the farmhouse. A number of bombs were dropped close to the site. the control bunker was still intact in 1992.
Thanks for the gen. I have noticed a number of farms in the Lincolnshire area that are called Decoy Farm and was wondering if there could be any connection. Lincolnshires busy wartime airfields must have had a number of decoy sites. Keep the info coming.
Multi Role Combat Airman. "It don't mean a thing if the wings don't swing!"
Thanks for the gen. I have noticed a number of farms in the Lincolnshire area that are called Decoy Farm and was wondering if there could be any connection. Lincolnshires busy wartime airfields must have had a number of decoy sites. Keep the info coming.
Hi Brave D.
Decoy Farm(s) have nothing to do with airfields I'm afraid. The word is derived from "Dutch Decoy" and they were originally small ponds, introduced from Holland (naturally!) during the 1700's for the purpose of attracting wild ducks for capture and food for table. James 1st reputedly had the first one dug. The decoy ducks were either live ducks, probably incapable of flight, or carved wooden ones, to attract wild fowl. Once landed, the ducks were driven along pipes or sluices into nets where they would be caught. Next stop, the oven.
The names of farms (and other locations) which takes their name from this were, in all likelihood, the former sites of such ponds which were either lost to enclosure or just fell out of use but the name perpetuated.
Hope this helps.
Chris
"We either stand down or blow up - which do you want!"
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