Monument record TR 14 NE 164 - Asql Bombing Decoy 'Wigmore A'

Summary

A Second World War bombing decoy site at Wigmore, known as Wigmore A. It was constructed in August 1943 for Operation Starkey, a deception program designed to trick Germany into believing that Britain was preparing for a cross-Channel landing in September. This was an Assault 'QL' ('ASQL') decoy, which displayed lighting to simulate a vehicle convoy to give the illusion of troops gathering near Dover. It was active during August and September 1943. Wigmore A was one of five 'ASQL' decoys in the Dover group.

Location

Grid reference TR 1770 4850 (point)
Map sheet TR14NE
County KENT
District CANTERBURY, KENT
Civil Parish BARHAM, CANTERBURY, KENT

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

A Second World War 'ASQL' bombing decoy located at Wigmore (TR 177 485), known as Wigmore A. It was constructed in August 1943 for Operation Starkey, a deception program designed to trick Germany into believing that Britain was preparing for a cross-Channel landing in September. The 'ASQL' (Assault QL) decoys were lighting displays intended to simulate dumps, camps and vehicle convoys to give the illusion of troops assembling at the southern coast of England. The 'ASQL' decoys were in operation between August and September 1943. Wigmore A was part of the group of decoys for Dover. Further decoys in the Dover group were located at Burmarsh B (TR 091 328), Wigmore B (TR 204 449), West Langdon A (TR 316 467) and West Langdon B (TR 333 482). (1)


<1> Dobinson C., 01/01/00, Fields of Deception: Britain’s Bombing Decoys of World War II (Bibliographic reference). SKE15274.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> Bibliographic reference: Dobinson C.. 01/01/00. Fields of Deception: Britain’s Bombing Decoys of World War II.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

  • Non-Intrusive Event: LANDSCAPES OF WAR RECORDING PROJECT (EKE25900)

Record last edited

Feb 9 2026 2:32PM