Second World War Type 23 'Lincolnshire-Type' pillbox East of Alberta in the Rimac Defended Locality.

Record update (27/11/2019) C. Kolonko-

Field survey undertaken on 10 October 2019 by C. Kolonko & S. Griffiths with CITiZAN volunteers L & J Havell and C . Sanderson. With thanks to D. Suty of Natural England.

Second World War infantry pillbox built to bullet proof standard. This pillbox design is often referred to as a 'Lincolnshire-Type' or 'Lincolnshire three-bay', though the origins of this term are unclear and it is not currently possible to confirm that this was a term used during the Second World War to describe this pillbox design. This pillbox design is also sometimes referred to as a 'FW3/23 variant'. Again, there has been no documentary research conducted to confirm whether this pillbox was considered a variant of the FW3/23 drawing at the time, or whether it was assigned its own specific drawing number; which would make it a unique, localised ‘type’ in its own right. Archive research is required to confirm an accurate term for this pillbox design.

The overall form of this pillbox is rectangular in plan, with two square, enclosed fighting positions at each extent, joined by a central open bay which incorporates the entrance to the position and a concrete platform. Dimensions for the structure are 6.57m in length and 2.60m in width. Walls are 0.38m thick (bullet-proof standard), though it was noted that the South-East facing elevation in this example was 0.37m thick at the central enclosure. A measurement for the thickness of the roof was not possible at the time of survey but is estimated to be 0.25m thick. The structure is constructed from reinforced concrete with wooden shuttering used as a formwork. A clear lift mark in the structure’s South-East facing elevation shows that the pillbox was constructed in at least three phases (including the construction of the roof).

The central 'well' is often interpreted as a 'light anti-aircraft gun' position, as is indicated on the FW/3 23 drawing. The gun in question could have been a Bren Light Machine Gun, Lewis Light Machine Gun, or Hotchkiss Mk I* M1909 employed in the LAA role and operated by a crew of two. Observation during the field survey indicated that this open position would have been relatively cramped, possibly limiting the operation of the LAA gun to an arc from the North-East to South-East. This position is also highly exposed, leaving the crew unprotected by the enclosure from the waist upwards. The practicalities of operating within this position need to be investigated further using experimental archaeology techniques. The central well of this example did not feature the upright concrete post that is present in other examples in the area.

Access to the interior of the pillbox was not possible at time of survey and an assessment of all exterior faces was restricted due to heavy vegetation growth. As this pillbox sits within a nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest any cropping of this vegetation is not advised without prior consent and coordination with the landowner, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and Natural England.

The pillbox is constructed from reinforced concrete. The South-East facing elevation of the structure exhibits a clear and deeply incised lift mark that runs across the centre of the face. This indicates that the forward face of the pillbox was constructed in at least two lifts, with the concrete being poured along the length of the wall, possibly from South-West to North-East. Five evenly spaced, circular holes are also present above the centre line of the South-East facing elevation (See images). These run through the entire thickness of the wall and are likely to be the channel for metal or wooden ties used to brace the wooden shuttering used as a formwork during construction.

This pillbox faces to the South-East, with the entrance facing North-West, indicating that the expected avenue of approach for enemy troops was from the South-East. The pillbox’s embrasures can be found in the North-East, South-East, South-West and North West faces, with two embrasures in the South-East and North-West faces and a single embrasure in the North-East and South-West faces (See images for locations). The left-hand embrasure of South-East facing elevation is not straight and slightly off-centre. The embrasures would have provided an approximate arc of fire of 60 degrees.

The pillbox features embrasures for Light Machine Guns (likely to be the Bren LMG) which would have also allowed the firing of rifles from within the pillbox. The embrasures sit flush with the outer surfaces of the structure, with no stepping to prevent projectiles from being funneled into the structure. On first appearance, the lack of stepped embrasures seems logical as the embrasure is flush with the outer surface. However, measurements taken during survey reveal the sides of the embrasure taper inwards very slightly, creating a slight funnel into which incoming projectiles may be directed into the interior of the structure. The bottom surfaces of the embrasures in this example are flat, with no recess to accommodate the bipod of the LMG. This pillbox was the only example surveyed which lacks this feature, which may suggest that subsequent examples constructed to the North were built at a slightly later date following the amendment of the drawing used as the basis for construction of this pillbox. Archive research is required to confirm this. Two splinter or bullet impacts marks were observed to the right of the South-West facing loophole. Given the proximity to an active aerial bombing range, it is hard to determine the cause of these impacts and whether they were the result of bullets or relatively low velocity bomb splinters.

To consider the original landscape and defensive context of this pillbox, we must first understand that the surrounding landscape has changed considerably since the 1940s. Much of the surrounding landscape from the North to South is now established salt-marsh. In 1940, at the time of construction, the pillbox would have been sited on the coast edge, approximately 750m (measurement determined from period OS map) above the high water mark of an extensive beach. The current low water mark is similar to that of the 1940s. The salt-marsh that covers much of the surrounding landscape was created following major coastal flooding in 1953.

The surrounding landscape is relatively flat from the North-East to South, with good viewsheds across the flanks and forward arcs. From this location the pillbox was been sited to cover the flood defence bank to the rear of the position and the expanse of beach to the flanks and front of the pillbox. There was no discernible attempt to camouflage the pillbox noted during the field survey and a general lack of camouflage appears to be relatively common for Coastal Crust pillboxes constructed with Northern Command.

Visibility and arcs of fire between the North-West to South-West arc would have been limited by vegetation and the flood bank. Fire could be brought to bear in enfilade to the North-East and South-West, with frontal fire possible to the South-East and North-West. The arcs of fire would have interlocked with adjacent pillboxes and would have been further bolstered by supporting trenches and weapon slits. The main vulnerable point would have been the beach itself, where the pillbox could bring fire to bear on any infantry landing on the beach. It is worth noting that infantry landed on the beach at very low tide would have been outside of the effective range of LMGs (if fired from the bipod) which were housed within the pillbox. Any infantry landing on the beach would be exposed with little available cover. Effective fire and manoeuvre would be required to suppress the defending positions and advance across the beach towards the West.

Although the pillbox appears to be relatively isolated in the landscape, it is likely that it would be supported by trenches and weapon slits, as well as extensive barbed wire obstacles which have since been in-filled or removed. No such features were visible at the time of survey. Further field investigation and aerial photograph analysis is required to identify supporting positions.

Pillbox survives in Good condition (Fully or almost-fully intact and clear at time of survey)

Sources- Small Arms Training, Volume 1, Pamphlet No.4 Light Machine Gun (1939)

Period

Modern (1901 and later)

Period comments

World War II

The earliest date of the feature, as a year, if known

1940

The latest date of the feature, as a year, if known

1942

Monument Type - Broad

PILLBOX (VARIANT)|PILLBOX|PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/23)

Monument Type - Narrow

Monument Description

Evidence Type - Broad

Evidence Type - Narrow

Evidence Description

Object Type - Broad

Object Type - Narrow

Object Description

Other records:

NRHE Number

1443432

NT HBSMR Number

Unknown

HER Event Number

Unknown

External Link

None

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