Monument record BAW 109 - Possible World War II Pillbox.

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Summary

Possible World War II Pillbox, RAF Bawdsey

Location

Grid reference Centred TM 33724 37881 (3m by 6m)
Map sheet TM33NW
Civil Parish BAWDSEY, SUFFOLK COASTAL, SUFFOLK

Map

Type and Period (3)

Full Description

A small rectangular structure can clearly be seen perched on the cliff at Bawdsey. It may be a Type 23 pillbox of World War II date, as only half the structure appears to be roofed. Type 23 pillboxes held a light anti-aircraft gun in their open half. (S1) The feature may be visible on photographs from 1944 but the vegetation cover at that time makes it difficult to be sure. (S2)
Also seen in field survey of Suffolk Coast - WWII pillbox and lookout (?) set into cliff face at least 2m above beach level. Cliff face stable but fabric of buildings breaking up. S3

Bawdsey radar station. Adaptation of existing grotto/shelter feature in nineteenth century concrete artificial cliffs into a combination observation post/pillbox/light AA position (S4).

Sources/Archives (4)

  • <S1> Photograph: RAF. Air Photograph. RAF 541/367 4043 31-OCT-1949.
  • <S2> Photograph: RAF. Air Photograph. RAF 106W/LA/1 4016 18-APR-1944.
  • <S3> Unpublished document: Suffolk County Council Archaeologcial Service. 2003. Assessment Report, Rapid Field Survey of the Suffolk Coast and Intertidal Zone. Everett et.al. 2003.
  • <S4> Digital archive: Defence of Britain Project archive. UORN: S0007484.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Sep 20 2014 3:43PM

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