Stop Line Blue branched east from Stop Line Green at Semington near Trowbridge, and followed the Kennet and Avon Canal east to Theale near Reading). The canal was utilised as a secondary natural Stop Line and as such Pillboxes and anti tank gun emplacements were strategically sited along the whole length of the canal, and concrete obstructions placed across canal bridges. Much of the material used for these structures was carried on canal boats.
The primary purpose of the stop lines and the anti-tank islands that followed was to hold up the enemy, slowing progress and restricting the route of an attack. The need to prevent tanks from breaking through was of key importance. Consequently, the defences generally ran along pre-existing barriers to tanks such as rivers and canals; railway embankments and cuttings; thick woods; and other natural obstacles. Where possible, usually well-drained land was allowed to flood, making the ground too soft to support even tracked vehicles.
Thousands of miles of anti-tank ditches were dug, usually by mechanical excavators, but occasionally by hand.
Type 22 pillbox with field of fire South East and South West towards canal and East-West railway line. Brick-shuttered with brick blast wall.
Out into the field behind the village is a great example of a type 28 twin. Nice and open and unlike those in Sulham Woods - structurally tidier.
The usual childish graffiti.
Pewsey
The Link Trainer was an American synthetic training device for the teaching of instrument flying. They were used on operational stations as a way of maintaining pilots of a high standard.
The trainer comprised a fuselage approximately ten feet long and constructed of a timber framework clad with plywood. The fuselage was fixed to motors and powerful bellows which enabled it to simulate basic flying movements similar to pitching, banking and the turning of a real aircraft. The cockpit resembled a typical single-engined aircraft of the period, with the usual six basic instruments plus a compass, radio, rudder pedals and control column.
Connections led from the trainer to an instructor’s desk where a three-wheeled trolley called a “tracking crab” (automatic recorder) reacted to time and rate of movement of the “aircraft”. One of the wheels, known as an idler wheel also functioned as an ink pen and traced an accurate course onto a map of the countryside over which the “pilot” was supposed to be flying. The instructor’s desk also had a duplicate set of instruments which enabled him to assess the pilot’s flying ability.
Construction: cement rendered 4.5-inch walls with external piers supporting standard 18 feet span steel trusses. Roof cladding was of corrugated asbestos sheeting
The primary purpose of the stop lines and the anti-tank islands that followed was to hold up the enemy, slowing progress and restricting the route of an attack. The need to prevent tanks from breaking through was of key importance. Consequently, the defences generally ran along pre-existing barriers to tanks such as rivers and canals; railway embankments and cuttings; thick woods; and other natural obstacles. Where possible, usually well-drained land was allowed to flood, making the ground too soft to support even tracked vehicles.
Thousands of miles of anti-tank ditches were dug, usually by mechanical excavators, but occasionally by hand.
Elsewhere, anti-tank barriers were made of massive reinforced concrete obstacles, either cubic, pyramidal or cylindrical.
In a few places, anti-tank walls were constructed—essentially continuously abutted cubes.
Pimples, popularly known as Dragons Teeth, were pyramid shaped concrete blocks designed specifically to counter tanks which, attempting to pass them, would climb up exposing vulnerable parts of the vehicle and possibly slip down with the tracks between the points. They ranged in size somewhat, but were typically 2 feet high and about 3 feet square at the base. There was also a conical form.
Cubes, cylinders and pimples were deployed in long rows, often several rows deep, to form anti-tank barriers at beaches and inland. They were also used in smaller numbers to block roads. They frequently sported loops at the top for the attachment of barbed wire. There was also a tetrahedral or caltrop - shaped obstacle, although it seems these were rare.
Cubes, cylinders and pimples were deployed in long rows, often several rows deep, to form anti-tank barriers at beaches and inland. They were also used in smaller numbers to block roads. They frequently sported loops at the top for the attachment of barbed wire. There was also a tetrahedral or caltrop - shaped obstacle, although it seems these were rare.
Crossing points in the defence network – bridges, tunnels and other weak spots – were called nodes or points of resistance. These were fortified with removable road blocks,barbed wire entanglements and land mines. These passive defences were overlooked by trench works, gun and mortar emplacements, and pillboxes. In places entire villages were fortified using barriers of scaffolding, sandbagged positions and loopholes in existing buildings.
Nodes were designated 'A', 'B' or 'C' depending upon how long they were expected to hold out.
Nodes were designated 'A', 'B' or 'C' depending upon how long they were expected to hold out.
Home Guard troops were largely responsible for the defence of nodal points and other centres of resistance such as towns and defended villages. Category 'A' nodal points and anti-tank islands usually had a garrison of regular troops.
The rate of construction was frenetic: by the end of September 1940, 18,000 pillboxes and countless other preparations had been completed.
The rate of construction was frenetic: by the end of September 1940, 18,000 pillboxes and countless other preparations had been completed.
With the above outlined information it is my intention to document as much as is feasibly possible before these defensive remains are lost completely. It's a real pleasure to get out and document these sites as it certainly takes me to areas of the country i would not necessarily visit in the natural course of my life. Certainly not in such passionate detail anyhow.
On With The Report
Continuing to complete the gaps in the defences along the Kennet and Avon Canal, the defensive line slightly runs to the south of the Kennet and is protecting the approach to the rail line sat between the copse of trees this L shaped line of AT blocks and the Pillbox cover. This is an area i covered last year and it brings back so many memories once again revisiting these photographs.
ANTI TANK BLOCK: S0006509
By the edge of the woods, off minor road running East from A346 road between Stibbs Green and Burbage Wharf. 22 anti-tank blocks with a shallow pyramid top, arranged 17 along the S edge of a wood and 5 along the E edge, the whole forming an 'L' shape. The two arms of the 'L' are of different sizes and construction. The long arm blocks are 3ft x 3ft x 3ft to ground level. They show the marks of corrugated iron shuttering. The short arm blocks are 4ft x 4ft x 4ft to ground level. They are of superior construction and have an unusual notch at each upper corner.
A location i had to revisit as i wasn't happy with the photographs that i had previously taken in the gloom and using a flash. I had to correct that and revisit during the early hours on this visit before continuing onto Pewsey and connecting the link up to Stanton St Bernard.
One of the notched corners evident after cutting away the ivy.
PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/22): S0006665
At Sand Bank, on the Western edge of a small wood: to the South is an unclassified local road. Hexagonal type 22 infantry pillbox with the typical Y-shaped internal blast wall and 3-step pre-cast concrete embrasures in each face, except the E entrance wall. Brick-shuttered; concrete core and roof. The pillbox is sunk into the crest of an escarpment some 20ft high. It commands the road bridge over the railway and the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Leigh Hill Copse.
PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/22): S0008764
On edge of woodland, Leigh Hill Copse, Kennet and Avon Canal, Burbage Wharf.Type 22 pillbox with field of fire South East and South West towards canal and East-West railway line. Brick-shuttered with brick blast wall.
Into a tiny little country village called Wootten Rivers. As i was parking the car up i was harassed by a group of geese that thought i was going to feed them. Talk about countryside guard dogs. The amount of racket they were making as i parked up and attempted to avoid hitting any of them. They surrounded the car so i sat back and had something to eat until they lost interest.
St Andrews Church
Out into the field behind the village is a great example of a type 28 twin. Nice and open and unlike those in Sulham Woods - structurally tidier.
PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/28 TWIN): S0008763
Noyes Farm, Kennet and Avon Canal, Wootton Rivers. Twin type 28a anti-tank gun emplacement situated in elevated position overlooking canal and East-West railway. Wood-shuttered construction.
The usual childish graffiti.
Pewsey
Driving into Pewsey and parking up next to the French Horn Inn on Pewsey Road it seemed an easier and more convenient place to park while i explored the area. Pretty central to all the remains in the area. I stayed here the night in the car instead of driving home, only for me to have to come back again to detail more of the area.
PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/22): S0013484
Pewsey Road and George Lane, on the bank of the River Kennet by Pewsey road bridge (A345). Type 22 pillbox. Concrete-faced. Now buried to just below the embrasures.
AT Cylinder sat by the side of the Pillbox and near the fence to the adjoining property.
The roadside view of the pillbox. There was no chance of entering this one!
PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/22): S0008754
East of A345 road, Pewsey Wharf. Type 22 pillbox, shell-proof and situated North of the canal. It has a field of fire South towards the canal and Pewsey Bridge. Brick-shuttered. Sat to the rear of a property and in the fields hedge line, there is evidence roadside on the A345 of the original access road to this pillbox.
Back out onto the Kennet.
ANTI TANK CONE: S0008758
South of the Kennet and Avon Canal, Pewsey Wharf.
Early the next day i got up early and took the long walk along the South bank of the canal to the pillbox sat on the North side and at the edge of a field. Sat on the ridge of the field.
PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/22): S0008762
Sunnyhill Farm, on N bank of Kennet and Avon Canal, Pewsey. Type 22 pillbox, shell-proof. Brick-shuttered type 22 pillbox on N bank of canal. Field of fire S across canal towards Anvill's Farm.
Staying on the North side of the canal and heading out of Pewsey itself there is a line of four pillboxes which follow the curve of the canal. It was an early crisp and cold morning but my old bones soon warmed up with the walk.
PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/22): S0008753
West of A345 road, on bank of Kennet and Avon Canal, Pewsey Wharf. Type 22 pillbox, shell-proof. Constructed on the high bank of the Kennet & Avon Canal, with commanding field of fire South across canal and East towards the Pewsey - Oare road. Brick-shuttered.
PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/22): S0008752
East of Bristow Bridge, Kennet and Avon Canal, Pewsey. Brick shuttered and in very poor condition. Located in the wooded area further up the track. Though it is a shame at the condition of some of the pillboxes, the location doesn't help to control the deterioration of the shuttering. It does prevent chavving taking place and sometimes offers a greater subject in relation to recording the slow deterioration.
The Wilcot War Memorial - Alton Road.
PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/24): S0008749
Kennet and Avon Canal, Wilcot. Type 24 shell-proof and sat in the hedge on a private road.
With the onset of winter it is sometimes the best time of year to go out pillbox hunting. With the absence of leaves on the trees and flatter light from the sun, there is less glare to beak the lines of a pillbox.
Back out onto the Kennet and on the North bank. Heading back into Pewsey.
PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/22): S0008750
Stowell Park, on the North bank of Kennet and Avon Canal, Wilcot. Type 22 pillbox situated on North side of bend in canal with field of fire South across canal and South East towards Bristow Bridge. Brick-shuttered exterior.
There is apparently another pillbox located on the south side of the canal but despite my best efforts i could not locate it. At there are still a couple of pillboxes to pick up in this area and also the Stanton Shelter at the edge of a field connected to RAF Alton Barnes i shall close this report with some of the final evidence of RAF Alton Barnes itself.
This building is not connected to Alton Barnes but was worth a look.
The Link Trainer Hut For Alton Barnes Airfield.
The trainer comprised a fuselage approximately ten feet long and constructed of a timber framework clad with plywood. The fuselage was fixed to motors and powerful bellows which enabled it to simulate basic flying movements similar to pitching, banking and the turning of a real aircraft. The cockpit resembled a typical single-engined aircraft of the period, with the usual six basic instruments plus a compass, radio, rudder pedals and control column.
Connections led from the trainer to an instructor’s desk where a three-wheeled trolley called a “tracking crab” (automatic recorder) reacted to time and rate of movement of the “aircraft”. One of the wheels, known as an idler wheel also functioned as an ink pen and traced an accurate course onto a map of the countryside over which the “pilot” was supposed to be flying. The instructor’s desk also had a duplicate set of instruments which enabled him to assess the pilot’s flying ability.
Construction: cement rendered 4.5-inch walls with external piers supporting standard 18 feet span steel trusses. Roof cladding was of corrugated asbestos sheeting
PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/22): S0007920
On N bank of Kennet and Avon Canal, facing the Barge Inn, Honeystreet. Type 22 pillbox on the North side of canal, with field of fire South East across canal towards Barge Inn and Honey Street Farm. Brick-shuttered exterior. Sat in the rear of a property and as such not able to get the interior shots.
During this trip out i missed out a few areas that were unintentional. As with all my explores i usually fail to locate something but the area is not too far from where i live so a re-think and another trip out to this area is in order. I missed out the Stanton Shelter and possibly three pillboxes located around Pewsey but i shall get to them in due course.
Thanks for reading the report.
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