Revetted slit trenches, gun emplacements and huts of Second World War date were visible as earthworks and structures in RAF/HLA/407 V 76 28-FEB-1942, RAF/HLA/407 V 77 28-FEB-1942 and RAF/HLA/564 V 6034 01-JUN-1942. These features formed the southern part of defences covering the south-west corner of RAF Manston's former grass outfield. It is possible that some pre-dated the start of the Second World War.

They include lengths of revetted, zig-zag or crenellated slit trench, at least six gun emplacements (some formed of earthworks, others small built structures), a number of small huts and other small structures whose purpose was unclear from the available aerial evidence.

Connections with parts of the system to the north had already been lost by the time these aerial photographs were taken in 1942. The features pre-dated the 1943-44 development of RAF Manston's crash runway, the westen end of which covered most of the site.

The features were recorded as levelled earthworks and demolished structures in Next Perspectives APGB Imagery 07-APR-2021 and were mapped as part of the Historic England Isle of Thanet project in 2024. (1-4)

<1> Historic England Archive, 1941-1960, Historic England Archive RAF vertical aerial photographs, RAF/HLA/407 V 76 28-FEB-194 (Archive). SKE57101.

<2> Historic England Archive, 1941-1960, Historic England Archive RAF vertical aerial photographs, RAF/HLA/407 V 77 28-FEB-1942 (Archive). SKE57101.

<3> Historic England Archive, 1941-1960, Historic England Archive RAF vertical aerial photographs, RAF/HLA/564 V 6034 01-JUN-1942 (Archive). SKE57101.

<4> Next Perspectives, 2003-2021, Next Perspectives APGB orthophotography, Next Perspectives APGB Imagery 07-APR-2021 (Archive). SKE57110.