During World War Two, an anti-tank ditch was dug from Colchester Cemetery southwards to Abberton Reservoir (SMR 20550/MCC5336). Here, it terminated in a block of c.32 anti-tank pimples between the end of the ditch and the reservoir. These can be clearly seen on an aerial photograph taken in April 1946.<1>

In 2005, there is no trace of the ditch by the reservoir nor anti-tank pimples embedded in the grass or concrete top of the embankment. However, at least 12 pimples lie randomly dumped in the water at the edge of the reservoir here. It is not known how many more lie beneath water level. Clearly, these are twelve of the original number taken up and left. Three photos of site.<2>

See also <3> & <4>.