Second World War Pillbox, West of Old Rettendon Hall (EHER 20159)

The site of a Second World War type 24 thick walled pillbox built in brick and concrete to the west of Old Rettendon Hall.

On a high hill, 200 yards W of Old Rettendon Hall, is an FW3/24 thick-walled pillbox facing ESE. It is constructed of brick and concrete with walls 4’2" thick. It has a Y-shaped central pillar and seven loopholes, most of which are bricked-up. From this commanding position the pillbox originally looked down on the GHQ Line anti-tank ditch which passed, on the hillside, 60 yards from its E side. <1> One photo of site. <2> Information from NRHE Type 24 thick walled pillbox. Embrasures have been bricked up with contemporary brick material. As has the doorway (which has been reopened at some stage). [The bricking up of the pillbox possibly occurred as part of the reorganisation of static defences away from stop lines to nodal points. Pillboxes not required and thought to be advantageous to the enemy were decommissioned in this manner]. The pillbox has a concrete roof. Type 24 shell-proof pillbox. Pillbox. Categorised 'C' for removal, 1951. LOCATION: W of Rettendon Hall. <3> <4>