The two neighbouring hamlets of East and West Woodlands are situated on the Somerset/Wiltshire border to the south of Frome near to the Longleat Estate.
It is thought there was also a Great Elm Patrol that was most likely disbanded before stand down. Some Auxiliers could have been in both or either Patrols.
| Name | Occupation | Posted from | Until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sergeant William George Buckett | Gamekeeper of Longleat Estate |
04 Jun 1940 | 03 Dec 1944 |
| Private Herbert Dennis Crossman | Farmer |
14 Nov 1942 | 03 Dec 1944 |
| Private Francis Henry Crossman | Farmer |
09 Mar 1942 | 03 Dec 1944 |
| Private Gordon Alexander Derry | Maintenance engineer |
15 Apr 1941 | 03 Dec 1944 |
| Private Stanley John Francis | Dairy farming and general labouring |
12 Dec 1942 | 03 Dec 1944 |
| Private Kenneth William Charles Fricker | Mill worker |
28 May 1940 | 03 Dec 1944 |
| Private John Heritage | Dairy farmer |
28 May 1940 | 03 Dec 1944 |
The OB was within the grounds of Longleat House on Carpenter's Knoll. At the end of the war the army came to blow it up but the Crossman brothers had already dug it up to use the elephant iron structure elsewhere, possibly on their farm. It is thought nothing remains on the site other than a depression in the ground.
East Woodlands Patrol
The nearest target would have been Longleat House if it had become a German HQ after invasion. Other targets would have included transport links such as the major roads; A 361, A362, A3098, B3092 along with railway lines.
The OB was once inspected by Lord Glanusk. from GHQ at Coleshill House.
Chris Perry
Defence of Britain Database.
TNA ref WO199/3390 & WO199/3391
Hancock data held at B.R.A
1939 Register
Don Brown and his research for "Somerset Vs Hitler"