Abstract
An earthwork survey was carried out on a previously unrecorded World War II anti-invasion beach defence trench and machine gun (MG) position which were found to be coastally eroding. The work was carried out by the author and a team of volunteers from the Orkney Defence Interest Network (ODIN) as part of the group’s fieldwork initiative. Being the first fieldwork venture undertaken by ODIN, it also served as a pilot study and training exercise for members unfamiliar with archaeological survey techniques.
The extent and condition of the site was determined and a plan and section drawing of the surviving earthworks were completed. The trench appears to have served as part of the Kirkwall anti-invasion defences located at the westernmost end of the Scapa – Inganess Stop Line where it provided an elevated position from which enfilading fire could be directed onto Scapa Beach in the event of a seaborne assault.
The extent and condition of the site was determined and a plan and section drawing of the surviving earthworks were completed. The trench appears to have served as part of the Kirkwall anti-invasion defences located at the westernmost end of the Scapa – Inganess Stop Line where it provided an elevated position from which enfilading fire could be directed onto Scapa Beach in the event of a seaborne assault.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Copy held in Orkney Sites & Monuments Record |
| Publication status | Unpublished - 11 Jul 2009 |