Second World War Pillbox, West of A130, East Hanningfield (EHER 20179)

The site of a Second World War type 24 thick-walled, brick-clad concrete pillbox south of Barn Cottage alongside the A130 road.

At this point the anti-tank ditch of the GHQ Line ran N to S through the fields to the E of the A130. The pillbox, a brick and concrete Type FW3/24 thin-walled 24" variety, stands in a field to the W of the road about 200 yards from the previous course of the ditch. This position is on the top of a rounded hill, the brow of which seriously masks the view of the ditch and only a small length would have been visible. It is likely that, even though the pillbox faces NE, its positioning, along with other thin-walled varieties back from the main line, was chosen as protection against a rear attack by paratroopers. The pillbox measures 14’ front to back, around 15’ 8" across and has 8’ 6" long walls. One photo of site <1> Information from NRHE Type 24, thick walled, brick clad concrete pillbox. Embrasures set in to each wall, two in rear wall covering entrance, rear wall longer than other five sides. Anti ricochet wall has been removed. [This site may be a duplication of UORN 314]. LOCATION: Opposite Laceys Farm, Rettendon <2> <3> Information from NRHE 1416518 The site of a Second World War type 24 brick-clad concrete pillbox alongside Main road to the south of Highlands Farm. Type 24 [type 22] brick clad concrete pillbox. Type 22 pillbox. LOCATION: Rettendon <2> <3> Note: the defence of Britain database has now been updated to reflect that S0000315 is a duplicate record for S0000314. <2>