Beach Anti-tank Defences – Stage 1
Cruden Bay was included in the April & October 1941 lists of vulnerable beaches so an anti-tank barrier was required at possible exits from the beach. This line of large concrete blocks was constructed as well as seven pillboxes along the beach to defend the relatively short stretch.
How many rectangular anti-tank blocks are still intact? A = number of rectangular blocks rounded to the nearest whole 10.
Harbour Slip Defences – Stage 2
This large concrete structure was built at the top of the harbour slipway to prevent German forces from gaining access up the ramp and into Port Erroll with tanks or heavy artillery. There was also a pillbox positioned up on the hill but this no longer exists.
The answer to B can be found here.
After finding the cache follow the trail mark and enter ward hill up the wooden steps.
LORAN Towers – Stage 3
This is the remains of old WWII radio masts built upon Ward Hill, Cruden Bay. LORAN, short for long range navigation was a hyperbolic radio navigation system developed in the United States during World War II. It was similar to the UK's Gee system but operated at lower frequencies in order to provide improved range up to 1,500 miles (2,400 km) with accuracy of tens of miles. It was first used for ship convoys crossing the Atlantic Ocean, and then by long-range patrol aircraft, but found its main use on the ships and aircraft operating in the Pacific theatre. Sets of the American equipment were shipped to Britain and were operated by British personnel. When installed the sites were given numbers in the Air Ministry Experimental Station (AMES) 700 series – the one on Outer Skaw being AMES 713. The site was established at the specific request of the RAF to cover Norway. Among the other sites there were RAF Units at Scousbrough, on the Shetland Mainland, at Burifa Hill, near Dunnet Head and at Port Erroll, near Cruden Bay.
How many individual metal support plates are there? C = number of metal support plates x 3.
Barracks – Stage 4
This structure would have been full of all the LORAN control panels & instruments used by the radio operators stationed here.
The answer to D can be found here.
Air Raid Shelter – Stage 5
It is still possible to gain access to the air raid shelter if you are brave enough to descend the ladder into the darkness. A torch is recommended.
The final critical piece of the puzzle can be found here.
Final cache site can be found at N57 C.B W001 A.D
