Second World War pillbox, Tractor Depot, Ardleigh (EHER 21595)

A World War Two pillbox is located within an extensive tractor storage depot to the SW of Dedham Road is a large infantry pillbox. It stands somewhat out-of-place in this industrial setting with no obvious reason for being sited here. This pattern of pillbox is unusual in its massive design although a number of these do exist along the Eastern Command Line, east and North of Colchester.

In an extensive tractor storage depot to the SW of Dedham Road is a large infantry pillbox. It stands somewhat out-of-place in this industrial setting with no obvious reason for being sited here. Measured across it is 19 feet in diameter, and it's hexagonal sides measure 11 feet 6 inches. Made of brick, the entrance is on the NE face. Some of the brickwork is falling off revealing the concrete core. The thickness of the walls; 3 feet 6 inches, shows that it was intended to be shell-proof, surprisingly. <1> Visit as part of the Discovering Dad's Army Project, 2018 This pattern of pillbox is unusual in its massive design although a number of these do exist along the Eastern Command Line, east and North of Colchester. <2> Three photos of site. <3>