Second World War Alan-Williams Steel Turret, Lawford (EHER 21588)

On top of a high hill with wide views to the north stands an Alan-Williams steel turret. This defence type of which 199 are said to have been manufactured, consisted of two parts – the below-ground-level circular steel tank in which the crew of two stood and the steel cupola which could be turned to face any direction. A variety of weapons could be mounted including the bren gun and the Boys anti-tank rifle. Alan-Williams steel turrets, still in situ, are very rare and are natural subjects for protection as Scheduled Monuments. This example is in particularly good condition. As the steel lids to the cupola and the entrance trench are both lying loose, it has been recommended that they be stored for safe-keeping, possibly at Manningtree Museum.

On top of a high hill with wide views to the N stands an Alan-Williams steel turret. This defence type of which 199 are said to have been manufactured, consisted of two parts – the below-ground-level circular steel tank in which the crew of two stood and the steel cupola which could be turned to face any direction. A variety of weapons could be mounted including the Bren gun and the Boys anti-tank rifle. <1> <2> This example survives in good condition with its front sliding shutters, its cupola lid (although this lies loose) and its rear entrance trench cover (similarly lying loose). Inside it is dry underfoot, the side seats still survive and the rollers are in at least part-working order. Wartime records document this site, “2 Alan William turrets (1 now removed). Dale Hall Farm, O.S. No.225, arable”. The date of the entry is 29.9.41. <3> Re-visited fifteen years later, with Clacton VCH Group, the turret still stands in the same grassland position in good condition. However, the lid of the cupola has now gone, as is the cover of the access trench and the sliding side shutters. Four photos taken of site. <4> Eight photos taken of site. <5> Site Assessment: July 2003: Alan-Williams steel turrets, still in situ, are very rare and are natural subjects for protection as Scheduled Monuments. This example is in particularly good condition. As the steel lids to the cupola and the entrance trench are both lying loose, it has been recommended that they be stored for safe-keeping, possibly at Manningtree Museum. July 2018: The lid of the cupola and the cover of the access trench are being stored by a local historian. Alternative storage is being explored. The whereabouts of the sliding side shutters is unknown. Four photos taken of lid and cover in July 2018. <6>