Monument record FTN 015 - World War Two defended trench positions or ‘section posts’

August 2014. Lothingland, Lowestoft and North Suffolk Coast and Heaths National Mapping Programme.
A group of World War Two defended trench positions or ‘section posts’ are visible on aerial photographs (S1-S2). The group is centred on TM 5164 9561 and consists of two groups of three defended positions that are located alongside Flixton Decoy (FTN 005) and decoy pond (BLN 022). These form part of a wider system along the northern side of Lowestoft, along with examples on the coast (COR 002, COR 040 – which were previously erroneously recorded as bombing decoys) and another group to the north BLN 045). These trenches are positioned on the seaward side of the anti-tank ditch line (COR 035) and the ‘natural’ defence of the broads/decoys. Information from (S3) indicates that the position of the section posts in advance of defended lines is unusual and could feasibly represent an attempt to protect the important port of Lowestoft from an attack from the rear, perhaps via the broadland marshes. Each group consist of at three trenchworks, which are defined by a substantial ditch around a central earthen-covered shelter, with a blast wall or embankment of spoil on the outer side. One of the examples has an additional trench coming off the main trench system. These are then surrounded by barbed wire defences. None of these defences show any sign of being in active use for defence or training.
S. Horlock (Norfolk Historic Environment Service), 23rd August 2014.