Site of a World War Two pillbox or strongpoint, High Street, Manningtree (EHER 21587)

Site of a World War Two pillbox or strongpoint, now destroyed. The structure is referred to as a strong point within a contemporary record however it can be clearly seen on a ground-level photograph taken while it was being demolished, probably in the 1960’s. It was, in fact, a pillbox, with angled sides and loopholes, built on top of the roof of a building N of High Street and W of North Street.

Contemporary records state, “Strong Point constructed on roof. 3 High Street, Manningtree – adj. old Post office. Map ref. 554501” (Mil. Ed.). <1> This ‘strongpoint’ can be clearly seen on a ground-level photograph taken while it was being demolished, probably in the 1960’s. <2> It was, in fact, a pillbox, with angled sides and loopholes, built on top of the roof of a building N of High St and W of North St. The photo shows the pillbox and the building on which it stood, half demolished. This defence structure was clearly put here to guard the approaches from the W along Station Road and the S along Brook St, which it faced. Visited in 2018, this position is now a large, four storey, red brick building with nothing to show of its previous usage. One photo of site taken in April 2018. <3> <4>