Monument record MCC4764 - WWII Pillbox (site of), Stansted Road, Berechurch, Colchester

Summary

WWII pillbox (destroyed).

Location

Grid reference TM 0034 2236 (point)
Map sheet TM02SW
Non Parish Area COLCHESTER, COLCHESTER, ESSEX

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

Aerial photographs taken in April 1946 and September 1947 show two pillboxes standing on the west side of Mersea Road, where Stansted Road is. In a semi-circle around southern Colchester, each of the roads leading up to the main defence line (600 yards to the north) were similarly guarded during World War Two. One pillbox stood 50 yards from Mersea Road - this still survives (see 20552/MCC5037). The second stood to its southeast immediately alongside Mersea Road. This has now been demolished. The aerial photographs show this second pillbox to have been hexagonal with its entrance on the north face - almost certainly an FW3/22 like its partner.<1><2>
Both pillboxes were protected by a short anti-tank ditch which ran from northwest to southeast across their face about 50 yards away, and continued for a short distance on the east side of Mersea Road.

See also <3> & <4>.

Sources/Archives (4)

  • <1> AP: RAF. 1946. 106G-UK 1367-7356.
  • <2> AP: RAF. 1947. CPE-UK 2300-5022.
  • <3> Unpublished document: Nash, Fred. 2007. SURVEY OF WORLD WAR TWO DEFENCES IN THE BOROUGH OF COLCHESTER. VOLUME 1. Volume 1.
  • <4> Unpublished document: Nash, Fred. 2007. SURVEY OF WORLD WAR TWO DEFENCES IN THE BOROUGH OF COLCHESTER. VOLUME 2. Volume 2.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Jun 17 2020 11:53AM

Comments and Feedback

Do you have any more information about this record? Please feel free to comment with information and photographs, or ask any questions, using the "Disqus" tool below. Comments are moderated, and we aim to respond/publish as soon as possible.