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91福利社,2 mins

Holyhead Drive, Redcar: Sound Mirror Provides Early Warning

World War One At 91福利社

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This Grade II listed building was used in WW1 as an early warning system for Zeppelin raids on Hartlepool, Redcar and Skinningrove. A trench used to exist in front of the sound mirror where the operator would sit. Bombs dropped from Zeppelins had caused panic amongst the civilian population, but this device was a poor early warning system giving just four minutes notice of a raid. In 1916 it was sitting in open farm land. Since then a modern housing estate has grown up around it. The concrete structure has not always been treated well. When it stopped being used to detect German raids a farmer used it as a spot to store manure. There have been problems with bike enthusiasts using it as a ramp to practice their stunts. There is a plaque in front of it to explain what the structure鈥檚 historical significance is and hopefully deter adrenaline junkies causing damage. Location: Holyhead Drive, Redcar, Tees TS10 2QS Image of Bryan Robinson standing in the Redcar sound mirror

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