Monument record SUT 157 - World War II military strongpoint around Wilford Rise, Sutton and Bromeswell parishes

A World War II military strongpoint is visible on Wilford Rise, centred on TM 29264996, on aerial photographs taken in the 1940s. The main part of the site is surrounded by barbed wire and scaffolding which runs from TM 28975010 to TM 29575010 and encircles an area of roughly 0.13 km2. At the eastern end of the barbed wire enclosure a road block is visible crossing the A1152. The roadblock consists of possible slots in the road and a row of anti-tank cubes running up the verge. The northern side of the strongpoint is bounded by the River Deben. The main part of the strongpoint contains most of the structures and is bisected by the B1083. Within the western half of the strongpoint a number of military features are visible, including a hexagonal Type 22 pillbox and associated trench at TM 29054993, a practice trench at TM 29234991, a length of barbed wire obstruction at TM 29274992 and various other earthwork features, such as those centred on TM 29334987. To the east of the B1083, a number of other military structures are visible, also located within the barbed wire and scaffolding enclosure, surrounding the now demolished building that was Woodbridge Golf Club House. (S1) The structures at this side of the road include three Type 22 pillboxes, located at TM 29485010, TM 29445005 and TM 29424998, and an associated system of trenches. A possible square pillbox is visible in the trees to the north of the strongpoint at TM 29285004. Two other areas, outside the main part of the strongpoint to the south, are defined by barbed wire. The smaller is located at TM 28974982 and has no visible internal features. The other area, centred on TM 29504973, is much larger and is defined by numerous stretches of barbed wire obstruction with a large number of gaps, some of which may be purpose-built entrances. To the north of this secondary enclosure a large hollow area, measuring 8m by 5m is visible and to the south a pillbox can be seen located to guard the approach road to the strongpoint from the south, at TM 29484959. By October 1945 the site is already showing signs of being dismantled. (S2) (S3) (S4) (S5) (S6) The overall military function of the site is unclear but its strategic location between the lowest crossing point on the River Deben and Woodbridge airfield must be significant. (S7)