Site of Second World War Pillbox, seawall W of South Fambridge, River Crouch, Ashingdon (EHER 20690)

The site of a Second World War pillbox located by the southern sea wall of the River Crouch near Brandy Hole.

500 yards to the W of the old ferry crossing from South Fambridge to North Fambridge stands an FW3/22 pillbox. It is built into the south side of the seawall such that while its tallest side is 7’6” high, the north side is just a few inches above the height of the seawall. It is built of concrete, is 12’6” wide, has 7’ 3” faces, and the entrance is on the NW side. This has been bricked up but the bricks have been partly broken away and the internal Y-shaped deflection pillar can be seen inside. All but one of the loopholes have been sealed. These are of a standard 12” high x 10” wide with steel side pieces. <1> It is clear that during World War Two the seawall was much lower and, while it was primarily sited here to guard against an attack on the ferry crossing, it was probably possible to fire across the top of the seawall on its north side. This is a good example of a standard FW3/22 pillbox. Two photos taken of site. <2> Information from NRHE The site of a Second World War square pillbox located by the southern sea wall of the River Crouch near Brandy Hole. Square pillbox [probably type 26 pillbox]. LOCATION: Southern Sea Wall of River Crouch near Brandy Hole Ashingdon <3> <4> After site visit the pillbox type was corrected from type 26 to FW3/22 pillbox.