Second World War pillbox, east of the railway line, opposite Queen Elizabeth Chase, Rochford (EHER 20727)

A Second World War type 22 pillbox of an unusual small, elongated design built in concrete with brick shuttering. It faces north and is located on the railway embankment on the east side of Southend Airport.

May 2003. World War Two Defences in Rochford survey: site visit and desktop research. Standing alongside the railway line, on the east side, is a Type FW3/22, hexagonal pillbox. It is built of concrete and the full-height entrance is on the south side. On each of the five forward faces there is a loophole of standard FW3/22 design with steel side pieces. In the rear face, beside the entrance, there is a slit-type loophole. On the other side of the entrance there is a steel railway sign. It is possible that beneath this is another slit-type loophole. Standing on British Rail land, it was not possible to access the pillbox but it can be clearly seen from Southend Road. <1> <2> Site assessment: As part of the immediate defences around wartime Rochford Airfield this pillbox is an integral part of the history and heritage of the site. As such, every effort should be made to ensure its continued survival, ultimately to Scheduled Monument status. <2> Two photos of site. <3> NRHE data transfer: 1995-2002. Defence of Britain survey. Type 22 pillbox [Osborne]. Small type 22 pillbox, of a tall, thin shape. Brick-shuttered. Faces north. No external blast wall. At least one rifle embrasure by doorway. Probably has internal blast wall. Red and white railway notices on north and south sides. Next to railway line on east side of Southend Airport. Small type 22 pillbox, of a tall, thin shape. LOCATION: Next to railway line on east side of Southend Airport. [with site location plan drawn on form]. <4> <5>