In the quiet hills in South Cumbria, UK, a routine drone deployment for a different project revealed an enigmatic circular area with a gate on a fell side. This unusual feature, inconsistent with the geological formations shaped during the last ice age, sparked curiosity and prompted a social media inquiry for information. The mystery remained unsolved until a chance encounter with the grandson of the former farming family who once owned the fields surrounding the site.

The Farmer’s Legacy:

The grandson, shared a captivating tale of wartime history that had been etched into the landscape. Until the late 1970s, his grandfather owned extensive acres, stretching up to the M6. It was during World War II that the land witnessed a remarkable event, a sole German bomber returning to Germany, perhaps from a mission targeting the Barrow Ship Yard, made a critical decision.

A Wartime Dilemma:

To lighten its load and increase the chances of a safe return home, the German bomber ditched its remaining bomb load over the serene Cumbrian countryside. The aftermath left a sizable crater in the field. The farmer, upon discovering the crater and bits of shell casing scattered across his land removed some of the casing. He erected a fence and gate around the crater’s perimeter to protect livestock from inadvertently wandering into the crater.

The Silent Sentinel:

While the fence has succumbed to time, the gate remains, a silent reminder standing on the edge of the crater, a tangible link to the events that unfolded more than seven decades ago. The grandson’s revelation provides a glimpse into the resilience of a community during a tumultuous period and the individual efforts made to safeguard the land.

Preserving the Past:

As we deploy drones for various projects, the unexpected discovery of this WWII relic serves as a poignant reminder that history lies beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered. The responsibility to preserve such stories falls upon us. This newfound knowledge invites us to reflect on the impact of global conflict on the most tranquil landscapes of the UK.

Conclusion:

The circular area, marked by a gate that once guarded a wartime secret, invites us to delve into the past. As we navigate the skies with drones, the landscape below holds untold stories, waiting for the curious and the vigilant to reveal them. In this corner of Cumbria, the remnants of a German bomber’s mission persist, standing as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of a community during a pivotal moment in history.