Second World War FIDO oil burners, from Bradwell Bay Airfield, at East Hall Farm (EHER 81613)

Some original concrete oil burners from the FIDO (Fog Investigation Dispersal Operation) system at Bradwell Bay Airfield (EHER 16047) which were recorded as in use as flower pots at East Hall Farm in 1999 and 2011. In Google Streetview imagery taken in 2024, only one hexagonal container can be seen.

1996. Military Airfields in Essex survey. Bradwell Bay (EHER 16047) was the only Essex airfield equipped with FIDO (Fog Investigation Dispersal Operation) and although no trace is visible at the airfield itself, it is said that some original oil burners are in use as flower pots at East Hall Farm. <1> <2> <3> 2011. World War Two Defences in Maldon survey: additional comments. The small concrete hexagonal containers which lie alongside part of the perimeter track (EHER 14067) and which are in use as flower pots at East Hall Farm are reported to be FIDO oil burners. FIDO (Fog Investigation Dispersal Operation) apparatus consisted of perforated steel pipelines which ran alongside the runway. Oil was pumped through the pipe to create the huge inflammable effect necessary to disperse the fog. The concrete containers are thought to be post-war housings for electric runway lights emplaced at ground level. The wire entered the housing through the small hole in the circular base. <4> In Google Streetview imagery taken in May 2024, one hexagonal container can be seen on the corner of the lawn at the mapped location, painted white and in use as a flower pot. <5> Note: Three more containers can be seen on Streetview imagery on Marsh Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, and may have been moved from this location (see EHER 81614).