Summary

A rectangular infantry type pillbox.

Full description

Contemporary records state, "Pillbox. Forecourt of May-Phill Hotel, Battlesbridge. Map ref. 222133" <Mil.Ed.>. The May-Phill Hotel stood on the W bank of a loop in the R. Crouch, which has now been straightened out, and an aerial photograph taken in 1946 shows the pillbox in the forecourt off its NE corner. It can be seen to have been a rectangular infantry type <usually 14’ x 15’> with a blast wall on its SW side. Although this position is in front of the anti-tank ditch of the GHQ Line, its type is of a pattern used all along the Essex part of the line. <1> <2> <3>.

The May-Phill Hotel building still survives, although it is now one of the buildings of a depot. The site of the pillbox is now occupied by a warehouse.

<1> unknown, 1968, War Time Contraventions 1968, Rettendon (LIST). SEX31436.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1945-present, 1:2500, TQ7794 pub1955 (Map). SEX60991.

<3> RAF, 1946, 106G-UK 1496-3229 (AP). SEX62115.

Monument Types

• PILLBOX (WWII, Modern - 1939 AD to 1945 AD)

Associated Events

• Survey of defences in East Hanningfield,Rettendon and Runwell (Ref: ?)

Protected Status

• Historic Environment Character Area: Chelmsford 9
• Historic Environment Character Zone: Chelmsford 9.2

Sources and further reading

Search results generated by the HBSMR Gateway from exeGesIS SDM Ltd.