The mysterious dome which played a vital war role

Formerly part of Shoreham Airport, the dome has an intriguing history

It's a green dome on scrubland near Shoreham Airport, covered in graffiti and hidden by trees and tall grass.

And it's become a mysterious Sussex landmark.

But while thousands drive past the decaying structure next to the A27 each day, how many know about its history?

The BBC was given exclusive access to the dome to learn about its vital role in protecting Britain during World War Two.

It's a November morning. Cold, but not quite frosty. The ground squelches beneath our feet as we cross the grass before spotting Shoreham's gunnery training dome peering above some overgrown hedges.

"It's an amazing structure," says Stuart Magowan, managing director of The Civil Engineering Practice.

Stuart's company acquired the land the dome stands on when building the nearby New Monks Farm housing development.

"It was used to train anti-aircraft gunners to protect the coast of the UK," he says.

In May 1943, 43 training domes were built in all corners of the country. Now, just six remain.

The dome is roughly 25ft (7.62m) in height and 40ft (12.2m) across

"When it was first built, it would've been camouflaged against enemy attack," Stuart explains.

"[Inside] would have been a plastered wall all the way around the top, painted white, and a projector unit and a fake gun."

The purpose of the domes was to immerse RAF trainees in a 'virtual reality' experience. A film of enemy aircraft was projected onto the ceiling of the 40ft (12.2m) dome and trainees would have to 'shoot' at them with dummy guns.

A member of the Royal Air Force under instruction at the training dome at RAF Leuchars, Fife

Trainees would aim for a yellow dots placed ahead of images of planes. They would then wear yellow glasses so they could no longer see the dot, which helped to train them for using anti-aircraft guns in real life.

The dome was filled with very loud sound effects, to simulate real-life battle conditions.

"It would've been intense," says Stuart.

"It's something [the soldiers] wouldn't really have seen before. We're quite used to video games, but it would've been quite phenomenal at the time."

Now, however, the dome stands empty. It's floor is mud, littered with various bits of debris.

The building has fallen into disrepair

"When it was part of the airport, it was very difficult to gain access," said Stuart.

"Now it's come outside the estate, it's more accessible. We're hoping we can get some fundraising and move on with some restoration.

"I think [people] have no idea about the heritage of this place."

The inside of the training dome at RAF Langham, which has been restored and is used as a military museum

For decades, people have driven past a fascinating piece of Second World War history.

As time passes, Shoreham's dome risks joining the 37 that didn't survive.

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