Monument record MWX1423 - Type 25 pillbox between Redcliff Point and Osmington

A World War II type 25 pillbox situated on the beach between Redcliff Point and Osmington. It was constructed in 1940-41 and was built in situ using corrugated sheeting and reinforced concrete. It is 9ft in diameter and has a 2ft x 3ft entrance located at the rear. Behind this is a reinforced concrete wall 1.5ft thick to prevent cliff erosion engulfing the structure. Five reinforcing rods are visible. Also present are three embrasures. A field visit in 1996 found the pillbox had canted over at 25 degrees due to cliff erosion.

A typical type 25 pillbox, built in situ using corrugated sheeting and concrete. It is 9ft in diameter and has a 2ft x 3ft entrance located at the rear. Behind this is a reinforced concrete wall 1.5ft thick to prevent cliff erosion engulfing the structure. 5 reinforcing rods are visible. 3 embrasures (15ins thick walls with 11ins thick roof). Due to cliff erosion it is now canted over at 25 degrees; 4.5ft protrude at the front. Inside there is a considerable amount of beach shingle and human rubbish. <1-3>

<1> Council for British Archaeology, 1995, Defence of Britain Project, S0000050 (Digital archive). SWX5.

<2> Council for British Archaeology, 2003, Defence of Britain Project Database, S0000050 (Machine readable data file). SDO128.

<3> Council for British Archaeology, 2006, Defence of Britain Project Archive DEB01, S0000050 (Excavation archive). SDO17227.

<4> National Record of the Historic Environment, 1416268 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Sep 6 2024 4:37PM