Monument record MWX1474 - Second World War pillbox, Redend Point, Studland

A World War II type 25 'Armco' pillbox located below the cliffs on the beach to the southeast of Redend Point, Studland. It is visible on aerial photographs of 1946 and 1950.It is constructed of concrete, moulded using corrugated iron and has a diameter of 2 metres and a height of 2.1metres. It is set on a square concrete base 3 metres wide and 1.3 metre high. There are three embrasures on the north, northwest and northeast sides measuring 0.6 metres x 0.3 metres and an entrance to the south, 0.6 metres by 0.6 metres. The pillbox had been constructed by early August 1940, it was situated within the Studland Sub-Sector, defended by the 7th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment from October 1940, replaced in April 1941 by the 1st Battalion of the Coldstream Guards. The Home Guard unit manning defences within this sector was No.2 (East Purbeck) Company, 7th (Wareham) Battalion. A field visit in 1995 found the structure had settled into the sand, tilting to the northeast, otherwise it was in a good condition.

A circular pillbox [probably a type 25 pillbox] of concrete moulded using corrugated iron, hence the ribbed appearance of the exterior. It is 2m in diameter and 2.1m high and set on a square concrete base 3m wide and 1.3m high. It lies on the beach at the foot of the cliff and is complete but has become detached from its foundation. There are three embrasures on the N, NW and NE sides measuring 0.6m x 0.3m and an entrance to the S, 0.6m x 0.6m.

It is in good condition but has settled into the sand tilting to the NE. Type 25 circular concrete pillbox, built with corrugated iron shuttering. There are 3 embrasures and an entrance half way up the rear wall. The whole structure stands on a massive concrete base. Circular concrete 'Armco' pillbox - faces NE (66 degrees). 3 embrasures. Hatch doorway at rear. In good condition, but footings undermined by sea, so it is not now sitting level. Circular gun emplacement of concrete on the beach. Highly vulnerable to sea erosion. Covers a wide area of fire from Old Harry Rocks to Studland Beach. It has a small doorway and three embrasures. It tips to seawards about ten degrees from the vertical. It stands on a square plinth. Height from plinth, 7ft. Diameter, 6ft. Doorway, 2ft 2ins high x 2ft wide. Embrasures, 2ft x 1ft.

[with plan and elevation showing measurements drawn on form]. Below cliffs on the beach SE of Redend Point, Corfe Castle Estate, Studland. LOCATION: Below cliffs on the beach SE of Redend Point, Corfe Castle Estate, Studland. <3>

The Second World War circular pillbox is visible on aerial photographs of 1946 and 1950 <1-2>. This site was digitally plotted during the South West Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey (Dorset).

<1> Royal Air Force, 12-DEC-1946, RAF/CPE/UK/1893 3307-8 (Aerial Photograph). SDO12791.

<2> Royal Air Force, 15-MAR-1950, SZ 0382/7-8 RAF 541/461 0145-6 (Aerial Photograph). SDO12823.

<3> Council for British Archaeology, 1995, Defence of Britain Project, S0007718 (Digital archive). SWX5.

<4> Council for British Archaeology, 2006, Defence of Britain Project Archive DEB01, S0007718 (Excavation archive). SDO17227.

<5> National Record of the Historic Environment, 1422099 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Aug 23 2024 3:10PM