Whilst researching 5 RHA in Little Waltham Essex 1940 I have come in contact with a villager who was there at the time. In conversation he asked if I was familiar with The Circle of Light to which I professed my ignorance. He went on to describe mirrors 40 Feet in diameter formed in 12 segments with a light at each junction around the perimeter He thought they were manufactured by local Chelmsford firms Crompton's and Christies. He named seven locations and said there were others spread over a large area they were set up to be used simultaneously. The idea was that they would light up the whole sky ,lighting up German Bombers and blind their downward vision , they would be observed by British fighters flying at a higher altitude who would then attack . What had not been taken into consideration was the cloud cover .so in effect the light was reflected downwards lighting up the country side and helping the Germans find their targets. They were only used on two occasions, my contact can remember running out of his house and the whole village turning out as Little Waltham was lite up like daylight.. The trials proved unsuccessful and the mirrors were scrapped. He says he actually photographed one and is searching his files for it. I had heard of searchlights bouncing light off clouds to aid attacks but never the Circle of Light.
Hi redtop There are some 'photos' (as such) of them on this link - Circles of Light | World War Two Decoys | Military Matters | The Armed Forces | Benfleet History TD
Thanks TD I have added the post to that website. I feel we should spread any knowledge ,or it will be soon forgotten. Bryan
Bryan There was also this link I have just finished reading - CIRCLES OF LIGHT | World War Two 'Decoys' | Times of war | Topics | Wickford History TD edited to add: The photos on both links are the same ones so take your pick
