Pillbox at SY 70380 72628 (Rifle Range #2)
A World War II pillbox, located at East Weares, overlooking Portland's east coastline (grid reference: SY 70380 72628). It is one of two pillboxes to be found in the southern vicinity of the East Weare Rifle Range; this one being located adjacent to one of the range's surviving sentry posts. 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. The entrance remains sealed with breeze blocks. 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, and the adjacent sentry post, can be reached by a set of concrete steps that lead from the coast path below.
References
1) Pastscape - Monument No. 1420395 - 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. The entrance remains sealed with breeze blocks. 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, and the adjacent sentry post, can be reached by a set of concrete steps that lead from the coast path below.
References
1) Pastscape - Monument No. 1420395 - website page
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