New Forest
Ashley Range
01.
Overview
Ashley Range, in the northwest corner of the New Forest and host to Ashley Walk, is now a popular spot for visitors to the area but during the wartime years was a large bombing range.
The famous ‘bouncing bomb’ was tested here and today there are many visible clues to this area’s activity. From the air, chalk target markings can still be seen and in the south-eastern corner of the range an observation shelter still stands.
Table of Contents
ToggleThe particular area of heathland that is Ashley is littered with craters made from bomb and shell explosions, now providing watering holes for the New Forest ponies and other wildlife.
Another visible remainder of the wartime activities is a large mound on the south-western edge of the range. This seemingly unimportant hillock was a replica German submarine bunker, built by the British Army here to try and develop a bomb capable of penetrating the thick concrete walls of the sub bunkers. By all accounts, they were never successful!
A few metres beyond (on the western side) of the bunker mound is a large crater, now a pond, which was made by the biggest bomb ever dropped on UK soil – Ten Ton Tess, also called a Grand Slam bomb.
This gigantic 10,000kg bomb was tested here on Ashley Range, and the next day was used during a raid on Germany, dropped from a Lancaster bomber. The idea of the bomb was to cause an explosion large enough that the shockwaves emulated an underground earthquake, and by all accounts it worked!
Ashley Range Aerial
Ashley Range is a very important reminder of the New Forest’s wartime history, equally as important as the 12 airfields and Advanced Landing Grounds in and around the Forest during the Second World War.
Target markings and craters on Ashley Heath, very visible in this modern day aerial shot. Explore present day Ashley Walk in detail.
The book to buy!
The New Forest at War is a very interesting read for anyone interested in the history of the New Forest or just wartime history. Packed with photos, some previously unpublished, and information on life in and the role of the New Forest during the war.
Charity Events to Take Part in
Charity Events to Take Part in Around the New Forest If you are ready to do something good and make a difference in the world, you will be pleased to hear that there are
Spring Camping Trip with Mum
5 Must-Have Essentials for a Spring Camping Trip with Mum in the New Forest Planning a spring camping trip with your mother can transform a typical Mother’s Day into an enduring tale. New Forest, with
World Clean Up Day
World Clean Up Day: Bringing the country together to conserve our environment National and World Cleanup Day takes place on the third Saturday of September. World Clean Up Day is a beloved event that mobilizes
Best Cycling Trails in New Forest
Best Cycling Trails in New Forest: Discover Scenic Routes for All Skill Levels Indeed, the New Forest bristles with some of the most exceptional cycling trails suitable for all skill levels. Keen cyclists and novices
Brockenhurst New Forest Hotels
Brockenhurst New Forest Hotels & Accommodation Brockenhurst is a charming village located in the heart of the New Forest National Park in Hampshire, England. Known for its picturesque natural scenery, quaint villages, free-roaming ponies, and
Best Camping Fridges UK
Best Camping Fridges UK – Reviewed for 2023 If you’re looking to enjoy your time away from the civilization, planning an outdoor camping trip requires thoughtful preparation. Nothing is more crucial than the right equipment. Portable fridges