Aldbrough Patrol
When Formed not known. 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
Patrol Members
Members 1944 List Occupation DOB
Sgt Richard M Crawforth Farmer 08/05/1922
Cpl Walter H Fisher Farm Worker 14/04/1912
Pte Eric Beadle Farm Worker 07/111924
Pte George Crawford Farmer 29/01/1914
Pte Frank Wood Min of Agr Official 12/02/1891
Pte Kenneth S Burrell Tractor Driver 08/06/1925
Pte Frank D Blanchard Tractor Driver 06/06/1916
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 Patrol OB was located 1.5 miles South of the village of Aldbrough on the B1242 is the entrance to a Scout Summer Camp which Bail Wood is part of. Permission was gained from one of the trustees of Bail Wood, Mr Rob Siddle who met us on site and allowed as much time as we needed which we were very grateful for. The condition of the OB Seemed to be in good condition although no access could be gained. The Main entrance shaft is capped with concrete. The escape tunnel was some 40 feet away and doglegged. Escape Hatch was found. (See Pic). 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 around the wood ammunition underground stores had been built but had never been found.
The Ob is located within managed 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.
Training was carried out at Rise Park and Middleton Hall
Weapons used were Revolvers, Sten Guns, Sticky Bombs, Hand Grenades and a 2ft Rubber Cosh
First OB 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
References:
Defence of Britain Archive
East Ridings Secret Resistance by Alan Williamson 2004
Mr Rob Siddle Trustee for Bale Wood