The Forgotten History of Barrows Green HAA Battery and Its Later Use as a POW Camp

It’s a common misconception that the site at Barrows Green, specifically the remains of the H17 Heavy Anti-Aircraft (HAA) Battery, was primarily a Prisoner of War (PoW) camp. While the area did serve a role as PoW Camp 290 during World War II, the remains of the HAA Battery, which predate the PoW use, are far more extensive, and there is very little left to indicate its later function as a PoW camp. In fact, the site’s military history goes much deeper, and its true significance lies in its role as a vital part of Britain’s anti-aircraft defense system during the war.

The Barrows Green HAA Battery: A Vital Defense Site

The H17 Barrows Green Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery was established in 1940 as part of Britain’s strategic defense network during World War II. As Nazi Germany’s air raids threatened British cities, the Royal Artillery set up anti-aircraft batteries across the country to defend critical infrastructure. Barrows Green’s HAA Battery, situated near Warrington in Cheshire, was equipped with powerful 3.7-inch anti-aircraft guns and radar systems designed to track and shoot down enemy bombers.

Interestingly, the remains of the HAA Battery are far more extensive than those of the later PoW camp. While the battery's key features—gun emplacements, radar platforms, and other military infrastructure—still survive, they are often overshadowed by the later, lesser-known use of the site as a PoW camp. The gun-laying radar platform, which remains in relatively good condition, is a particularly rare survivor from the era. The site also includes a small water tower near the road, which dates back to 1940.

For anyone interested in military history, the Barrows Green HAA Battery offers a fascinating glimpse into Britain’s wartime defenses. It is particularly worth visiting in the winter, after a dry spell, as the winter months allow for clearer visibility of the site’s remains, which are often obscured by vegetation during the summer.

From HAA Battery to PoW Camp: The Transition

After the HAA Battery was decommissioned at the end of World War II, the site was repurposed for a short time as PoW Camp 290, specifically designated for Italian prisoners of war. PoW Camp 290, located near South Lane Farm Hostel, utilized several of the unused Royal Artillery barrack huts that had previously housed personnel at the HAA Battery. These huts provided a relatively basic living space for the low-risk Italian PoWs who were detained at the camp after Italy’s surrender to the Allies in 1943.

However, the PoW camp was short-lived. After the war ended, the site briefly housed displaced persons before it was returned to agricultural use. The camp’s huts were eventually sold off, and some were repurposed for civilian use. Interestingly, one of the huts was even still in use as a scout building for the 10th Warrington Scouts until fairly recently, showing just how these structures were repurposed over time and became part of the local community.

What Remains Today: The HAA Battery’s Legacy

While the use of Barrows Green as a PoW camp is a notable part of its history, it is the HAA Battery remains that tell the most compelling story today. The area is a designated listed grouping, which helps preserve the significance of the site. However, aside from the remaining military structures, there is little left to indicate the site’s later use as a PoW camp. The agricultural buildings and new housing developments that have been built in the area have further erased any clear traces of its time as a PoW facility.

The gun emplacements, radar platforms, and even the water tower from the original HAA Battery offer a rare look into the defense systems that helped protect Britain during the Second World War. However, the transition of the site to a PoW camp, while part of its history, is a less prominent chapter, overshadowed by the more lasting and significant military installations that were built during the war.

Visiting the Site

For those interested in the history of the Barrows Green HAA Battery, the best time to visit is during the winter months, particularly after a dry spell, as the remains are more easily accessible and visible. The gun-laying radar platform and other military structures are worth seeing, especially for those interested in World War II defense systems. Visitors should also take note of the small water tower near the road, a subtle yet significant reminder of the site's military history.

It’s also important to remember that while the PoW camp played a brief role in the site’s history, it was the HAA Battery that defined the location during the most crucial years of the war. The battery’s extensive remains are a testament to Britain’s resilience in the face of aerial threats during the darkest days of World War II.

Conclusion

The history of Barrows Green is an intriguing example of how historical sites can evolve over time. While the PoW camp may be what some associate with the area, it is the legacy of the Barrows Green HAA Battery that remains most prominent. The site’s military history, marked by the rare surviving radar platform and other structures, continues to remind us of the vital role it played in protecting Britain’s skies during the Second World War. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the past, a visit to Barrows Green offers a fascinating glimpse into this lesser-known chapter of wartime history