Monument record IKN 042 - World War II strongpoint and possible road block.

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Summary

A World War II strongpoint and possible roadblock, Iken.

Location

Grid reference Centred TM 39503 56106 (38m by 35m)
Map sheet TM35NE
Civil Parish IKEN, SUFFOLK COASTAL, SUFFOLK

Map

Type and Period (4)

Full Description

A World War II strongpoint and possible roadblock is visible as structures and earthworks on aerial photographs, located at a crossroads about 200m south of Iken Wood, centred on circa TM39495611. The strongpoint is first visible on aerial photographs of December 1943, but can be clearly seen in September 1945. It appears to be composed of: a Nissen Hut type structure at circa TM39515612: two slit trenches, the first at circa TM39495611, the second at circa TM39505609: a pillbox at circa TM39485609: and a possible road block, centred on circa TM39495609. There are smaller features associated with the larger structures, but they cannot be identified from the photographs. The separate elements of the strongpoint appear to be located so as to control the crossroad junction, and in particular the traffic travelling along the north-south road. The probable reason for this can be seen in the high density of Second World War features visible in the area to the south; this area has been identified as a World War II training area and access to this area would probably have been highly controlled (see IKN 015 AND IKN 044)(S1, S2).

Sources/Archives (2)

  • <S1> Photograph: USAAF. USAAF Air Photograph. NMR US/7PH/GP/LOC132 5056-5057 30-Dec-1943.
  • <S2> Photograph: RAF. Air Photograph. RAF 106G/UK/832 3137-3138 23-Sep-1945.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Aug 6 2013 12:09PM

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