Second World War pillbox, Paglesham Creek (EHER 20802)

A Second World War concrete pillbox located outside the seawall on the upper reaches of Paglesham Pool.

December 2002. World War Two Defences in Rochford survey: site visit and desktop research. North of Paglesham Churchend, overlooking Paglesham Creek, stands an FW3/22 pillbox. Here, the grassy sea-wall runs from east to west and the pillbox stands immediately north of the wall, high on the mudflats which border the river. It is constructed of concrete and is hexagonal with the entrance on the west face. The diameter is 13’ and each side measures 7’4”. The loopholes are typical of this type of pillbox – 12” high x 10” wide with steel side pieces. The pillbox is entered down concrete steps around which high kerbing has been built to prevent river water flooding the interior. Inside there is a 'Y-shaped' anti-ricochet pillar and the remains of wooden battening on which elbow-shelving would have once been mounted. The entire pillbox is in good condition and very typical of its type. It is difficult to see the reasoning behind its location. Here, the river is many miles inland from its mouth and is very difficult to cross from the opposite bank (Wallasea Island). Many pillboxes in the area were clearly sited as anti-paratroop positions but here the pillbox is well below the level of the seawall, thus masking its fire onto the flat lands to the south. <1> Three photos. <2> <3> Note: EHER 82668 may be a duplicate record for this pillbox, but it has not been possible to verify. NRHE data transfer: 1995-2002. Defence of Britain survey. Pillbox, no specification. LOCATION: Outside seawall on upper reaches of Paglesham Pool. <4> <5>