In early 1997, the remains of an underground British Resistance (or Auxiliary Unit) hideout were reported by ECC officers at Chest Wood, Layer-de-la-Haye. The structure had been cut into an ancient dyke, at its N end, and then re-covered to lie hidden beneath the forest floor. By 1997, the top of the dyke had fallen into the main chamber of the hideout exposing the rotting arches of the corrugated steel roof. Eight photographs were taken of the site.<1>

Visited in February 2007, the remains were re-discovered and documented for this record. It is typical of British Resistance hideouts to be located in woodland, often quite far from habitation. It is also typical that they should be cut into a bank, in this case an ancient dyke, as this would be easier to construct than a deep hole in the flat ground. The top of the dyke has collapsed over a significant area here, probably into the entrance tunnel, the outer chamber and the main chamber. All hideouts are thought to have had an escape tunnel and the ground has probably fallen into this as well. However, a substantial part, perhaps 4 feet of the central width of the roofing now lies exposed and investigating the gap beneath this it is clear that much of the roofing is still intact. However, the survival of end walls, entrance, escape tunnel, etc is unknown.

Around the site, bits of corrugated steel sheeting lie half-buried in the overgrown, broken-up ground. Along the W side of the dyke a small stream contributes to the difficulties in gaining the overall picture of the site.

Ten photos taken of the site.<2>

See also <3> & <4>.