This is a very brief report into the pillboxes at the lower section of RAF Alton Barnes and eventually the defensive line of the Kennet And Avon canal leading up to Stanton St Bernard.
Taken in November last year, the mud proved a real challenge along those tow-paths and certain bridges which were used for connecting fields for the cattle certainly made me swear,slip and slide around. It's all part of the fun as they say. Probably those who actually don't bother attempting to stay upright near fresh cow pats and urine soaked puddles but less of the romantic picture that i paint!
This section of the Kennet and Avon defences completes the link from previous reports in the area and completes the section of the canal banks from the Wilcot pillboxes i covered through to the eventual approach into Stanton St Bernard and further up - Devizes. The final aim is to cover the ring of defences around Bristol into Stop Line Green to complete and connect the Kennet defences into the Avon.
ANTI TANK CYLINDER: S0011720
Unclassified road on W side of Alton Valley Bridge, Honeystreet - Kennet and Avon Canal, Stanton St. Bernard. Two anti-tank cylinders one on either side of track connecting fields above the canal, separated by farm gate.
Also:
ANTI TANK VERTICAL RAIL: S0008746
On E side of Alton Valley Bridge, Alton Barnes Farm, Alton Barnes - Kennet and Avon Canal. Type 22 brick-shuttered pillbox on East side of bridge, with field of fire across bridge towards anti-tank cylinders on SW side.
On either side of the lane to Woodborough Fields Bridge, Woodborough. 3 x anti-tank cylinders set North of bridge, two on the West side and one on East side. Constructed using large diameter drainage pipe filled with mass concrete and domed at top. 'U'-shaped hooks are fitted to the side of the pipe.
Taken in November last year, the mud proved a real challenge along those tow-paths and certain bridges which were used for connecting fields for the cattle certainly made me swear,slip and slide around. It's all part of the fun as they say. Probably those who actually don't bother attempting to stay upright near fresh cow pats and urine soaked puddles but less of the romantic picture that i paint!
This section of the Kennet and Avon defences completes the link from previous reports in the area and completes the section of the canal banks from the Wilcot pillboxes i covered through to the eventual approach into Stanton St Bernard and further up - Devizes. The final aim is to cover the ring of defences around Bristol into Stop Line Green to complete and connect the Kennet defences into the Avon.
PILLBOX (PENTAGON): S0008743
In field E of Stanton Bridge near Alton Barnes airfield, Stanton St. Bernard. Pillbox, airfield type. 06/04/2000 Pillbox, no specification. One of three pillboxes situated in triangular formation, originally part of the Alton Barnes airfield complex. Possibly has 360 degree visibility. Large rocks on the roof were possibly part of camouflage. Non-standard pillbox (airfield type) situated in exposed position in field. Brick-shuttered interior and exterior. 4 x embrasures.
Concrete sandbags
Forming part of the triangle of pillboxes in this section of field, this Type 22 looks out onto the canal itself.
PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/22): S0011718
Alton Barnes Airfield, Kennet and Avon Canal, Stanton St. Bernard. Again a grass roof was utilised to provide greater camouflage from any planes. Though fairly overgrown on the bank side of the canal, the brick shuttering is tidy and the interior more so.PILLBOX (PENTAGON): S0008742
Back out onto the Kennet.
ANTI TANK CYLINDER: S0008745
On West side of Honeystreet Bridge, Honeystreet - Kennet and Avon Canal, Stanton St. Bernard. Single anti-tank cylinder, constructed using a concrete cylinder that was filled with concrete, and with a conical dome.ANTI TANK CYLINDER: S0011720
Unclassified road on W side of Alton Valley Bridge, Honeystreet - Kennet and Avon Canal, Stanton St. Bernard. Two anti-tank cylinders one on either side of track connecting fields above the canal, separated by farm gate.
Also:
ANTI TANK VERTICAL RAIL: S0008746
PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/22): S0008747
On E side of Alton Valley Bridge, Alton Barnes Farm, Alton Barnes - Kennet and Avon Canal. Type 22 brick-shuttered pillbox on East side of bridge, with field of fire across bridge towards anti-tank cylinders on SW side.
ANTI TANK CYLINDER: S0008748
On either side of the lane to Woodborough Fields Bridge, Woodborough. 3 x anti-tank cylinders set North of bridge, two on the West side and one on East side. Constructed using large diameter drainage pipe filled with mass concrete and domed at top. 'U'-shaped hooks are fitted to the side of the pipe.
Half of the exterior drain casing has fallen away on the third cylinder in this location.
A hint that steel hawser cables were possibly used on this roadblock.
The journey back to the car.
Only a small section of the Kennet And Avon Canal covered but it helps to complete the gaps in the defensive line.
I hope you enjoyed the report.
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