Second World War pillbox on the seawall, NE of South Fambridge (EHER 20691)

A hexagonal concrete FW3/22 infantry pillbox on the sea wall overlooking the River Crouch from the South. The structure is buried deep and it is now impossible to see Southwards from the position of the pillbox, even when standing on its roof. In addition to being half buried, the pillbox has taken on a pronounced tilt to the South and the loopholes along this edge are now beneath ground level.

May 2003. World War Two Defences in Rochford survey: site visit and desktop research. Sunken into the top of the seawall is an hexagonal, concrete FW3/22 infantry pillbox. It measures 12’ 6” across opposite faces. Each of the six sides is 7’ 3” long and the walls are 15” thick. The entrance is on the North side, facing the River Crouch, showing that the pillbox must have been sited in this position to guard the river crossing as the Fambridge ferry crossed just 300 yards to the West. <1> During wartime the seawall was clearly much lower as the entire structure is buried deep into the top with only 2’/3’ showing. The whole landscape of the seawall has been considerably broadened; it is now very wide and rises along its South edge such that it is now impossible to see Southwards even when standing on the pillbox roof. In addition to being half buried, the pillbox has taken on a pronounced tilt to the South and the loopholes along this edge are now beneath ground level. The top of the entrance, on the North side, can still be seen. This has at some time been bricked up but some of these have been broken away and through the gap the internal Y-shaped deflection pillar can be seen. The loopholes – at least one is clear above ground level – are a standard 12” high x 10” wide with steel side pieces. Although not all of it can be seen, the pillbox appears to be in reasonable condition. <2> Two photos. <3>