Monument record MCC5372 - WWII Two Military Air Raid Shelters, Napier Road, Colchester Garrison

Summary

Two Military Air Raid Shelters.

Location

Grid reference TL 9973 2451 (point)
Map sheet TL92SE
Non Parish Area COLCHESTER, COLCHESTER, ESSEX

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

On the S side of Napier Road, immediately alongside the road, two air raid shelters of a type found on military sites, still survive. They appear to be of the same type as the six shelters recorded at TL 9993 2429 (SMR 20625/MCC5371) semi-sunken, an entrance at opposite ends of the sloped faces, and banked-over earth. However, the easternmost of the pair has been heavily modified with up-standing brick-built entrances and a tall brick and steel flue outlet. A notice on the door identifies its current usage as a "Plant Room". The western shelter is significant in that one of the normally slabbed-over entrances is clear, enabling access down the concrete steps to a wooden internal door. This, however, is barred and bolted. A sign says "53 COY. (v)." Outside the door, opposite the entrance steps, is a toilet cubicle, although the door is missing. At the opposite end of the shelter, the second entrance remains slabbed over.

Seven photos of site.<1>

SITE ASSESSMENT:
Unlike the six shelters recorded at TL 9993 2429, these two examples have clearly had recent usage - either modified to provide an alternative function or as storage facilities. As such, they will have lost much of their integrity as World War Two monuments.

See also <2> & <3>.

Sources/Archives (3)

  • <1> Photograph: Nash, Fred. 2002. unknown. seven frames.
  • <2> Unpublished document: Nash, Fred. 2007. SURVEY OF WORLD WAR TWO DEFENCES IN THE BOROUGH OF COLCHESTER. VOLUME 1. Volume 1.
  • <3> Unpublished document: Nash, Fred. 2007.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

Related Monuments/Buildings (2)

Related Events/Activities (0)

Record last edited

Jun 18 2020 7:43AM

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