Site of Second World War minefield, Tollesbury Wick Marsh (EHER 16830)

Three parallel lines of pits which vary considerably in their condition and depth are visible on aerial photographs. It is probable that these pits are the remains of a World War Two land minefield, as these were typically arranged in this pattern. Summary from record 16340: Three parallel lines of pits, possibly Second World War defence-related, ?minefield.

1995. Aerial photograph interpretation. Three parallel lines of pits, possibly Second World War defence-related, a possible minefield. <1> - <4> May 1995. Field survey. Three straight parallel lines of pits aligned diagonally to one another. The pits are circular and vary considerably in their condition, the best example measuring 3.8m in diameter by 0.9m deep. They are best preserved at the Western end and degenerate towards the east until they form shallow scoops 3.0m in diameter by 0.2m deep. The pits are between 6.1m and 7.7m apart at the Western end of the lines. Most of the pits occur on the eastern side of the old railway line (EHER 45184, which they cut), and only two were located on the Western side. It is probable that these pits are the remains of a World War Two land minefield, as these were typically arranged in this pattern. This interpretation is supported by other World War Two activity on the marsh, including pillboxes on the sea wall. 5> 2009. World War Two Defences in Maldon survey: desktop assessment. An August 1945 aerial photograph shows the formation and pattern of an exploded Second World War minefield. At least 34 craters can be made out. <6> <7> The site does not appear to have been visited under the World War Two Defences in Maldon survey, but was considered in research. Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import.