Near Bristol, a World War II decoy site known as Black Down remains one of the best-preserved examples of a strategic defense network designed to mislead German bombers. These so-called Starfish sites were part of a broader system intended to protect key cities, towns, and airfields by simulating bombing targets with controlled fires and lights.

Black Down was one of approximately 12 such sites around Bristol, although few physical remnants or records of these decoys survive today. The network was overseen by Royal Engineer Colonel John Turner, who was selected by Winston Churchill due to his engineering expertise and experience in the air force.

These decoy sites had a tangible impact on the course of the war. Estimates suggest that between 5 and 10 percent of the 1,700 tons of bombs dropped on Britain during the conflict landed on these false targets, potentially saving around 5,000 lives and preserving critical wartime infrastructure.

At Black Down, visitors can still see a bomb crater left by a 500-pound bomb that landed roughly 100 yards from one of the bunkers. Accounts from the time describe the explosion as so powerful that it shook the foundations of the bunker, highlighting the danger faced by those operating the site.

Other nearby decoy locations also attracted significant enemy bombardment. For instance, during the Bristol Blitz, a single decoy site in Chew Magna was struck by 54 high-explosive bombs on June 3, 1941, while a site near Weston-super-Mare in Uphill saw 42 bombs dropped there the following night. These efforts were supported by local volunteers, including traders and farmhouse residents, who risked their lives to maintain the deception’s effectiveness.

One notable act of bravery came from Airman 2nd Class Cecil Bright during a bombing raid, when he crawled out in the dark to relight decoy fires that had failed, an action for which he was later awarded a military medal.

The story of Black Down and its role in the war emerged through the work of local schoolteacher Donald Brown, who researched the site, wrote a book, and led public tours. Since his passing, Mike Harvey has taken over these efforts, and interest in the site appears to be growing. A recent tour organized by the Mendip Society saw full attendance, with participants spanning multiple generations.

Harvey emphasizes the importance of preserving these stories, noting that the courage and collective effort of those involved reflect a national spirit of resilience. He said, “It’s about passing on the story so those who took part and what they did never get forgotten.”