Monument record MCC4784 - WWII Pillbox, Fordham Bridge, Aldham

Summary

From a meadow at the side of the road a type FW3/22 WWII pillbox faces north towards Fordham Bridge.

Location

Grid reference Centred TL 9291 2707 (16m by 12m)
Map sheet TL92NW
Civil Parish ALDHAM, COLCHESTER, ESSEX

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

From a meadow at the side of the road a type FW3/22 pillbox faces north towards Fordham Bridge just 50 yards away. It is hexagonal, built of concrete, and measures 12ft 6in x 7ft high. It has 15in thick walls and an internal 'Y-shaped' central pillar. The loopholes - one on each face - measure 10in wide x 12in high, although the rear loophole, beside the entrance, is a slit 6in wide x 13in high. The entrance is a 6ft high 'porch-type' with a 5ft high doorway. This is, unusually, concreted up to half its height, presumably to prevent flooding of the interior from the river nearby. At the rear of the porch, facing the entrance, the wall is serrated to prevent bullets ricocheting into the interior.<1>

Three photos of site.<2>

SITE ASSESSMENT: The pillbox has a distinct tilt to one side.

See also <3>.

Sources/Archives (3)

  • <1> DESC TEXT: Wills, H. 1985. Pillboxes. plan, p.28.
  • <2> Photograph: Nash, Fred. 1997. Pillbox - three frames.
  • <3> Unpublished document: Nash, Fred. 2007. SURVEY OF WORLD WAR TWO DEFENCES IN THE BOROUGH OF COLCHESTER. VOLUME 1. Volume 1.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Jun 15 2020 10:49AM

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.