Second World War cantilever pillbox, east of railway line, Rochford Airfield (now London Southend Airport) (EHER 20731)

A Second World War cantilevered type pillbox built in concrete with brick shuttering and a central brick pillar, and located at RAF Rochford.

April 2003. World War Two Defences in Rochford survey: site visit desktop research. Standing on the east side of the railway line, at the north-east corner of Rochford Airfield, is an F.C. Construction Company 'cantilever' pillbox. This type of pillbox was supplied to airfields to give an all-round field of fire and its design consisted of an upside-down saucer of concrete, typically 20’ across, suspended on a central brick-built pillar. Although it was not possible to visit the actual site of the pillbox, it can be clearly seen from 40/50 yards away, at the corner of the golf course, and appears from that distance to be in good condition. <1> <2> One photo of site. <3> Site assessment: 'Cantilever' pillboxes are natural subjects for statutory protection. Although the condition of this example has not been recorded, unless it is in very poor condition every effort should be made to ensure its continued survival, ultimately to Scheduled Monument status. NRHE data transfer: 1995-2002. Defence of Britain survey. Cantilevered type pillbox. Made of concrete with brick shuttering and central brick pillar. LOCATION: RAF Rochford. <4> <5> NRHE summary description: A Second World War cantilevered type pillbox built in concrete with brick shuttering and a central brick pillar, and located at RAF Rochford.