During the Second World War in common with most airfields RAF Manston had an armoured structure which was used to co-ordinate the defence of the airfield in case of land or air attack. It seems that these were built to a standard design incorporating a square obsevation post with 360 degree viewing apertures and a 'bomb proof' cap. (1)

A camouflaged structure of Second World War date was visible as a structure in RAF/HLA/564 V 6013 01-JUN-1942. This is likely to have been the location of RAF Manston's Battle Headquarters. It was recorded as a demolished structure on Next Perspectives APGB Imagery 07-APR-2021. This feature was mapped as part of the Historic England Isle of Thanet project in 2024. (2-3)

<1> KCC, 2016, Survey of Buildings and Structures Associated with Manston Airport and the Surrounding Areas. (Unpublished document). SKE31558.

<2> Historic England Archive, 1941-1960, Historic England Archive RAF vertical aerial photographs, RAF/HLA/564 V 6013 01-JUN-1942 (Archive). SKE57101.

<3> Next Perspectives, 2003-2021, Next Perspectives APGB orthophotography, Next Perspectives APGB Imagery 07-APR-2021 (Archive). SKE57110.