The anti-tank defence line around south Colchester crossed Layer Road at TL 9807 2287. A wartime aerial photograph taken in March 1945 shows all the extant defences very clearly, with the exception of the road barrier itself - probably a removable "socket and railway line" type.<1>

The anti-tank ditch traced its path from the NNW to TL 9804 2292- a position W of a pair of houses. From here a row of seven anti-tank cubes can be seen, but unlike the normal solid barrier, they are spaced out to cover the 40 yards to Layer Road at TL 9807 2287. Almost certainly, they were connected by a double row of steel cable concreted into the cubes (for example, see "Anti-Tank Blocks, Castle Park Grounds, Colchester" SMR 10912/MCC5080). On the E side of Layer Road the ditch re-commenced to skirt a large pillbox (SMR 20537/MCC5330) and continue eastwards.

The area of the anti-tank barrier is now occupied by new housing.

See also <2> & <3>.