Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Second World War Type 24 concrete pillbox in the counterwall forming the extremity of Higham Marshes. It may have been a backstopper for the GHQ Line 45 m to the north. It probably originated in 1940, to be decommissioned by late 1943.

Monument Types

• PILLBOX (PILLBOX, Modern - 1940 AD? to 1945 AD?)

Full description

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Top of buried concrete pillbox visible above turf of counter wall. Faces NNE. possibly type 24. Situated on grassland (1)

Site photographs (2-4).

A six-sided, asymmetrically shaped concrete pillbox, now buried in the seawall. (5)

Further info (6-8).

Further information from Defence of Kent:

Second World War Type 24 pillbox in the counterwall, forming the extremity of Higham Marshes. It may have been a backstopper for the GHQ Line 45m to the north (PUID 10141). The top of the pillbox only is visible, the remainder being buried within the counterwall. It probably originated in 1940, to be decommissioned by late 1943, when invasion was no longer considered a possibility.
Owner : Unknown
Publicly accessible : Yes
How accessed for survey : The pillbox is situated on a public right of way
Tourism Potential : It is ideally suited for inclusion within a heritage trail
Condition : unknown
Date of visit : 15/02/06

Records rationalised from 4 pillboxes to one, this information also from the DoK

Standard concrete construction pillbox with 7 embrasures. Half buried into present sea wall.
Owner : Public
Publicly accessible : Yes
How accessed for survey : On Saxon Shore Way footpath
Tourism Potential : Possible heritage trail?
Condition : moderate
Date of visit : 11/12/06

Start of para (9):
This feature is recorded in the English Heritage report on the Second World War Stop Line in the Hoo Peninsula. The report states: "Second World War pillbox, possibly Type 24. Condition: visible recent aerial photographs (Google Earth 2013)." (9)

<1> Not applicable, SMR Kent uncatalogued index entry, Site visit by VTC Smith 1995 (Miscellaneous Material). SKE6440.

<2> 1947, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9858.

<3> 1941, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX10111.

<4> 2000, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX10278.

<5> Wessex Archaeology, 2005, North Kent Coast Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey: Phase ll: Field Assessment Year Two Report (Unpublished document). SWX12323.

<6> RAF, 11/10/46, Aerial photograph of Higham Marshes and Cliffe Marshes (Photograph). SKE13913.

<7> 11th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, 12/01/40, War diary. (Collection). SKE14266.

<8> MMRG, 11/12/06, Type 24 pill box (Article in monograph). SKE14520.

<9> historic england, 2014, Hoo Peninsula Landscape Project: Second World War Stop Line: Hoo St Werburgh to Higham Marshes. Research Report 9-2014. (Bibliographic reference). SKE31599.

Sources and further reading

Related records