| Situated in the grounds of Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton, a survivor of WWII - in the shape of a 'Maycrete' army hut - has gone through a period of preservation and is now accessible to visitors. The hut was preserved in memory of the many British and American officers and other ranks, male and female, who lived in such accommodation on the estate during WWII. |
| In July 1940, with the threatened German invasion imminent, the British 8th Corps was established with responsibility for the defence of the south-west counties of England. 8th Corps HQ was at Pyrland Hall, Taunton, and the rear HQ was situated at Hestercombe. The 8th Corps left Hestercombe in January 1943 and later that year the US 398th General Service Engineer Regiment made their HQ here. The 19th District Headquarters of the US Supply Services was also established here in 1943. In recent times the remains of a WWII Auxiliary Unit underground hide were discovered in a wooded valley on the Hestercombe estate. |
| 'Maycrete' huts had brick bases with concrete walls and asbestos roofs. The picture above shows the interior of the remaining structure with added supporting girders. |
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Commemorative plaque. |
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A more familiar scene at Hestercombe, the gardens are well worth a visit. |