This is definitely off-topic but I was driving past Buckfastleigh this week and saw what I can only describe as an observation post that's mounted on a barn, with the barn being in the middle of a field. I spotted this on my left as I was on the A38 heading to the Plymouth Ferry. Apologies for the odd question but my curiosity got the better of me!

Ps I'm in Benodet, Brittany at the mo and wondered if anyone knows of any WW2 sites that may be close by? I've searched the internet but have drawn a blank so far.

Ta, Lee

The u boat pens at St Nazier are worth a visit.

Hi Lee

I have heard of a concrete bunker on one of the many hills around Buckfastleigh, but its supposedly on private land and its use was/is unknown.

Peter is right St Nazaire is very interesting, you can drive through one of the blocks of U boat pens and I seem to remember seeing a submarine (probably postwar) visible in one bay, there is also the enormous dry dock famously rammed by HMS Campbletown.

Also in Brittany, Carnac with its standing stones is worth a visit and you aren't a million miles from Saumur tank Museum.

Rob

email (option): robmiller11(a)yahoo.co.uk

I always found the Plouharnel Battery on the Quiberon peninsular fascinating as a young boy. The dunes on the right as you drive onto the peninsular are riddled with bunkers. There were 2 railway gun batteries there. I got stuck on the top of the leistand. But thats maybe a bit too far away for you.
The resistance museum was good the last time I went (12 years ago)
Les Hardys Behelec, 56140 Saint-Marcel, France.

Rich

email (option): richardpurkiss@hotmail.com

it was for observation of a sort, that's the remains of a greyhound racing stadium that closed down many years ago and is now in a field becoming slowly overgrown.

Thanks chaps. Sadly, I didn't get to visit any WW2 sites and the closest I got was inadvertently stumbling onto a French nudist beach whilst fully clothed. I should have followed advice from the Green Cross Code Man as, if I'd have looked left and right before crossing the beach, I wouldn't have reached the half-way mark before realising! Topped-off with a cycle helmet and rucksack, I've never felt so british!

Greyhound Racing? I wouldn't have guessed that one so thanks for the tip-off.

Ps Are all nudist beaches full of naked men or was I just unlucky?

Sounds like you were lucky to escape still a virgin and with your lycra shorts intact... ...Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Not being sure of French customs, I escaped from the beach before any cheek-kissing began... as there seemed to be plenty of cheeks to choose from!

Hi Lee, the tower you saw from the A38 is the old Grandstand for Buckfastleigh race coarse it closed in the early 50's the building is listed, you can tell that by the way its falling down they still hold point to point twice a year, there is a vintage rally held on the site in May, you get a good chance to have a look round then

email (option): colin.harmes@virgin.net