Second World War guidebooks

 

A series of four guidebooks to help you discover Suffolk's Second World War archaeology and appreciate and enjoy the physical remains of the conflict that still lies in the county's countryside.

Three guides examine the anti-invasion coastal defences, built principally in 1940–41, while the fourth examines the stop lines constructed during the same period.

The guides were created as part of the Interreg IV-funded Second World War Heritage project and research and published by Dr Robert Liddiard and Dr David Simms, University of East Anglia.

 

Guidebooks

Some of these files may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. To request an accessible format please contact the relevant publisher directly.

sandy beach on front cover of guide book

Guide 1 - Lowestoft to Southwold

This guide describes the anti-invasion defences that once stood on this part of the Suffolk coastline. This part of the coast was transformed into a military landscape, with closed beaches, pillboxes, gun emplacement and artillery batteries. Explore the remains with two guided walking trails: Gunton Warren Pillbox Trail and Benacre Pillbox Trail

Download Guide 1 (PDF) »

countryside on front cover of guidebook

Guide 2 – Walberswick to Aldeburgh

This guide describes the pillboxes, batteries and other defences that lie on this stretch of the Suffolk coastline. Explore the remains with 2 guided walking trails: East Sheep Walk and Westleton Walks

Download Guide 2 (PDF) »

estury on front cover of guidebook

Guide 3 – Orford to Felixstowe

This guide describes the anti-invasion defences between Landguard Point and Orford; with monumental infrastructure at Felixstowe, Bawdsey and Harwich, as well as long beaches and uninhabited marshes for covert training and testing exercises in the remote countryside. Explore the remains with three guided Pillbox Trails.

Download Guide 3 (PDF) »

railway line on front cover of guidebook

Guide 4 – Stop Lines

This guide describes the network of interior defence lines constructed across large parts of the county. Explore the remains by walking the Corps Line, with the Sudbury Pillbox Trail, Lavenham Pillbox Trail and Jude’s Bridge Pillbox Trail (Mildenhall).

Download Guide 4 (PDF) »

 

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a WWII pillbox and earthworks at North Warren

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