Moore Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery

The camp on Moore Lane was established in November 1939 to provide protection for the mustard gas factory on Wigg island and local waterways during the Second World War.

There were barracks, a guardhouse/armoury, two pill boxes and four gun positions. Barrage balloons were launched from at least two sites – one in the field by the village school on Moss Lane and the other on the Forestry Commission land near Upper Mosside Farm. The balloons were tethered to weights and their purpose was to deter and confuse enemy aircraft. Brick sheds stored the gas canisters that were used to inflate them. These, and the remains of the site on Moore Lane can still be seen.

More photos are available on the ‘derelict places’ website – search for Moore Anti Aircraft Battery.

Edward Heath, former prime Minister, was stationed there for a short while.

From all accounts, the camp became a part of village life. Regular dances were organised in the Milner Institute.

After the war, the camp was used to house a few army families – some American from what I’ve been told. The children went to the school on Moss Lane.