Pillbox at SY 70271 72634 (Rifle Range #1)
A World War II pillbox, located at East Weares, 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 and is based on the British Type 22 design. 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
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
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The majority of these photographs are courtesy of 'floyjoy', who has kindly allowed the use of the images on this website.
The majority of these photographs are courtesy of 'floyjoy', who has kindly allowed the use of the images on this website.
