Second World War fuel depot at Saffron Walden (EHER 40476)

Second World War underground aviation fuel storage tanks.

2004. Desk-based assessment. Restrictions regarding access into the grounds of two large commercial operations between Radwinter and Ashdon Roads prevented inspection of the railway cutting in this area. Map evidence shows that the branch line forked to the east at TL 553 386 to an Air ministry sidings (EHER 40475), which was built in 1939, to serve massive underground fuel tanks (EHER 40476) stockpiling aviation fuel during World War II for the surrounding airfields at Debden, Hadstock etc. The sidings/cutting, a network of internal roadways and six large subterranean tanks capped by earthen banks, still appear on contemporary aerial photographs, although at present completeness and levels of integrity remains unclear. Reportedly (pers. comm) a pipe line was laid post war to supply aviation fuel to a number of RAF air fields to the north of Saffron Walden and along the A1. Recommendations This site would clearly benefit from targeted research to confirm whether the tanks still in use today are in fact WWII structures and to establish the extent to which the sidings survive. If suspicions are confirmed then the ministry site remains as the only known site of its type to remain in Essex and as such should be designated as a locally-regionally significant site, and one with a potential for statutory protection. If the site is threatened by future redevelopment, it should be fully surveyed to appropriate levels prior to commencement of works. <1>