Noirmont. Multi-cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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A simple multi-cache on Noirmont headland.
Noirmont is situated between St. Aubin`s bay & Portelet. During the occupation of WW2 this area of coastal heathland became the site of a German artillery battery consisting of four 15cm naval guns. The headland is dotted with gun platforms, concrete bunkers & other relics of the war. In recent years many of these have been restored to preserve the historical importance of the site. For more information on this & other wartime sites (including bunker opening times) visit - www.ciosjersey.org.uk . Noirmont is also a good place to watch migrating birds in spring & autumn. In summer a variety of heathland birds nest here, including Stonechats, Whitethroats & Dartford-Warblers.There is an extensive network of paths to explore, heading both west to Portelet and north to woodland above Belcroute bay.
The coordinates given above are for "Location 1", a granite memorial which is the start point for this short walk around the site. There is ample parking nearby.
From the monument walk 50m south to a metal door, this is "Location 2". Next to the door is a plaque remembering two RAF pilots who were killed in action in 1942. 8 RAF Whirlwind aircraft launched a raid on a German convoy sailing past Noirmont on route from St Malo to Guernsey. One ship sank & others were damaged, 2 of the aircraft were shot down by anti-aircraft gun fire from the ships & the shore battery. What was the number of the RAF squadron involved? The middle digit = Answer "d".
Now walk 75m north-east to a concrete gun platform, this is "Location 3". Look at the blue plaque to the left of the ramp. This gives details of a naval battle that took place nearby in August 1944. US navy torpedo boats fought a running battle against a German convoy in thick fog. The action reached it`s climax when one of the "PT" boats sank after ramming a German minesweeper. On what date in August did the battle take place? This number is Answer "a".
Now walk 80m north to "Location 4", a monument to the US Navy sailors who lost their lives. On which PT boat did Lt. Harry M. Crist serve? The last digit is Answer "b".
90m to the north you will see "Location 5" - one of the 15cm guns of the battery. In front of the gun is a metal plate with a map of the site. What was the number of the Naval Artillery Battalion? The middle digit is Answer "c".
You now have the answers to complete the coordinates. Enter your results into - N49` 09.ab2 W002` 10.cd1 and walk to the cache (via Location 1). Most of the paths are fairly level except for the last 50m to the cache which is quite rocky.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)