A Second World War bombing decoy site at Thorner, Leeds.

A Second World War bombing decoy site at Thorner. It was built in 1941 as a 'Permanent Starfish' site to deflect enemy bombing from the city of Leeds. By 1942 a 'QL' decoy had been incorporated into the site as part of the 'C-series' of civil decoys to protect Neville Hill marshalling yard. The 'Starfish' decoy operated by lighting a series of controlled fires during an air raid to replicate an urban area targeted by bombs. The 'QL' decoy displayed lighting to simulate the railway marshalling yards lights and tram flashes associated with the yards. The site is referenced as being operational until 1943, but could have been in use until July 1944. A control building, which would have housed an operations room and provided the decoy crew with shelter, is still present at the site in good condition . Thorner was one of twelve 'Starfish' sites for Leeds, and one of nine civil bombing decoys.