The naval camp hidden in woods near Havant | Nostalgia

Thanks to overcrowding in naval barracks in Portsmouth during the Second World War many sailors were sent on home leave to be recalled by telegram or a knock on the door from a local policeman telling the man to return to his ship.
By Bob Hind
Published 4th Feb 2021, 16:53 GMT
With the white ensign rigged on the gaff of the flagpole, this was the path leading through Stockheath Naval Camp. Picture: The News archiveWith the white ensign rigged on the gaff of the flagpole, this was the path leading through Stockheath Naval Camp. Picture: The News archive
With the white ensign rigged on the gaff of the flagpole, this was the path leading through Stockheath Naval Camp. Picture: The News archive

So It was decided to build several camps in the country, one being at Stockheath, now part of Leigh Park. Mostly comprising Nissen huts, it was beside Riders Lane and held hundreds of sailors.

It was also a survivors’ camp enabling those injured in action to recuperate and be rigged in new uniforms. One of the three survivors from HMS Hood, Bob Tilburn, was at the camp for a while.

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On the right and out of the frame was a Wrens’ compound of wooden huts. Completely surrounded by barbed wire, the Wren signallers, drivers and cooks were well protected from amorous sailors!

NOW: The same location today. It's called Great Copse Drive, a self-build estate from the 1970s. Picture: Bob HindNOW: The same location today. It's called Great Copse Drive, a self-build estate from the 1970s. Picture: Bob Hind
NOW: The same location today. It's called Great Copse Drive, a self-build estate from the 1970s. Picture: Bob Hind

Stockheath closed at the end of the war and the site soon returned to woodland. In the late 1960s a self-build group bought the land. A road was laid which became Great Copse Drive. By the early 1970s the estate was finished. I wonder if any residents know what was once under the footings of their houses?

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Related topics:PortsmouthHMS Hood

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