Site of Second World War pillbox, 'Back Line', North of Steeple Road (EHER 20642)

Now destroyed. The site of a pillbox, about 40 yards north of Steeple Road, which would have supported the anti-tank ditch of the 'Back Line' (EHER 20631).

November 2002-January 2003. World War Two Defences in Maldon survey: site visit and desktop research. Contemporary records state, 'Pill box. Land at Steeple Road. Map ref. 338195. (Mil. Ed.)'. <1> This pillbox can be clearly seen on an aerial photograph taken in May 1946 standing about 40 yards north of Steeple Road by the road barrier at Lawling Bridge (EHER 10646). In this position it would have supported the anti-tank ditch of the 'Back Line' (EHER 20631) which ran immediately across its east face. It can be seen to have been hexagonal, probably of the same 'thick-walled' type as others surviving in the area (see EHER 20638 and 20642). <2> Nothing of it now remains. <3> Note: it was probably supported by an Alan-Williams turret to its south (EHER 20641).