The Encyclopaedia of Portland History
  • Home
  • Introduction
  • Map and A-Z Index
  • About
  • Updates
  • Links & Books
  • Copyright
  • Contact

Pillbox at SY 70271 72634 (Rifle Range #1)

A World War II pillbox, located at East Weare, overlooking Portland's east coastline (grid reference: SY 70271 72634). It is one of two pillboxes to be found in the southern vicinity of East Weare Rifle Range; this one being positioned close to the range's stop butt. Built using reinforced concrete, the pillbox has a six-sided plan. It was constructed sometime during 1940 as part of British anti-invasion preparations, at a time when the German's invasion plan, Operation Sea Lion, was considered a major threat. Across the UK, approximately 28,000 pillboxes and other similar defensive structures were built as part of the anti-invasion preparations, with around 6,500 surviving today.

As part of the Defence of Britain Project, the pillbox was inspected in 1996 and was recorded as being in good condition. To date, the pillbox survives in a similar state, although the structure has become largely obscured by undergrowth. Due to the remoteness of the area, and the pillbox's concealed nature, it has not become a target for graffiti or vandalism.

The pillbox is located on land owned by Portland Port Ltd and is inaccessible to the public. However, it can be viewed from nearby public footpaths.

References
1) Pastscape - Monument No. 1420394 - website page

Gallery

These images can be enlarged by clicking on them. Some images have information attached to them, and to view this you can either enlarge the image or hover the mouse over each thumbnail.

The majority of these photographs are courtesy of 'floyjoy', who has kindly allowed the use of the images on this website.

The pillbox, located to the side of the rifle range's stop butt.
The front of the pillbox has its embrasures almost hidden by the overgrowing foliage.
Nature is slowly reclaiming the structure.
The pillbox is sited near the stop butt, seen in the background here.
The structure as seen from above, on the top of the stop butt.
The entrance can be seen at the back of the structure.
A closer look at the entrance.
The inside of the pillbox is largely clean, and the floor covered in sand.
The embrasures are becoming intruded by the foliage.
A look at the entrance from the inside of the pillbox.
A general view of the stop butt of the rifle range, with the pillbox seen to the left.
Copyright © 2023
  • Home
  • Introduction
  • Map and A-Z Index
  • About
  • Updates
  • Links & Books
  • Copyright
  • Contact