Monument record MDO17961 - Second World War pillbox (Type Fw3/23) by railway cutting south of Combe Side, Maiden Newton

A World War II modified type 23 pillbox constructed in 1940-41. It is built into the very steep railway cutting, 200 yards from sewage works, Maiden Newton. Construction is of brick and concrete. A field visit in 1997 found the pillbox to be in a good condition.

1. A modified type 23 pillbox built into the very steep railway cutting. It is twice the normal expected height due to its geographical location.
2. Brick construction with concrete roof and floor. 4 loopholes with concrete lentils over each and the entrance.
3. Outside entrance there is a 4ft high brick wall that has fallen over into the doorway. This was originally located on the railway side to prevent occupants falling down the almost vertical embankment.
4. Dimensions: Loopholes - 15"x8" outside, 20.5"x14" inside. Inside height - 78", internal walls - 7'1", concrete roof laid in 5" bands, entrance - 26.5"x44", outside walls - 10'4", wall thickness - 19".

Modified type 23 pillbox built into the very steep railway cutting. Brick construction with concrete roof and floor. 4 embrasures with concrete lintels over each and the entrance. Outside entrance, there is a 4ft high brick wall that has fallen over into the doorway. This was originally located on the railway side to prevent pillbox guard falling down the almost vertical embankment.

Dimensions:- embrasures 15ins x 8ins outside, 20.5ins x 14ins inside. Inside height 78ins, internal walls 85ins, concrete roof laid in 5ins bands, entrance 26.5ins x 44ins, outside walls 10ft 4ins, wall thickness 19ins.In the railway cutting 200 yards from sewage works, Maiden Newton. <1-3>

<2> Council for British Archaeology, 1995, Defence of Britain Project (Digital archive). SWX5.

<3> Council for British Archaeology, 2003, Defence of Britain Project Database, S0000076 (Machine readable data file). SDO128.

<3> Council for British Archaeology, 2006, Defence of Britain Project Archive DEB01 (Excavation archive). SDO17227.

<4> National Record of the Historic Environment, 1416294 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Aug 11 2023 3:05PM