Second World War pillbox, between Dunmow Road and River Chelmer (EHER 10483)

A Second World War type 28a concrete anti-tank gun emplacement located north of Brookfield Farm.

70 yards to the east of Bowyer's Bridge, on the south bank of the River Chelmer, stands a Type FW3/28A concrete pillbox facing north-west. <1> It was built to accommodate a WWI 6-pounder gun but the concrete mounting pedestal no longer remains. The Bren-gun chamber is at the north-east end of the pillbox. This pillbox was disguised during WWII to look like a barn and many of the original fixing brackets to hold the sloping roof are still in position. Also, some of the black paint can still be seen on the external walls. <2> Three photos of site. <3> NRHE data transfer: Type 28a concrete anti tank gun emplacement. The structure is divided into two chambers, the larger of the two has the main embrasure plus a small secondary one. The smaller chamber has two small embrasures. The entrance is to the rear and is large enough to fit a field artillery piece. Located to the north of Great Dunmow between the road and the River Chelmer. <4>