At RN air stations there were two types, each of which had a raised wire or two stretched across the runway at the upwind end. One was called CHAG (Chain Arrester Gear) because the inertia was a lengthy and heavy piece of chain on each side of the runway. The other was SPRAG (Spray Arrester Gear) which boasted a more sophisticated hydraulic arrangement with a piston and a water filled cylinder.
I can confirm that they were very effective for both aircrew and hook fitted aircraft. Not so sure about a Buff though...