World War II and southern Exmoor

Target (red) and gun positions (blue) around Larkbarrow, Exmoor, 1940.

During the Second World War infantry and artillery training turned Exmoor into a battleground. The Royal Observer Corps, British and American troops, searchlight positions, anti-aircraft batteries, artillery ranges, gunnery ranges and tank training all occupied open ground on Exmoor. The noise of gunfire, shells and mortars must have been a constant background to life on the moor. In addition there were detachments of home guard at Dulverton and elsewhere including cavalry units.