Working on Ewshots second Type 24 project
During the late spring of 2010 the survey and rescue archaeology on the second type 24 that forms part of a cluster of four pillboxes including two Vickers was completed.
This interesting bullet proof pillbox is dug in to waist level and features an interesting rear concrete step each side of its entry, as you enter the pillbox, each side of the blast wall face has steps down formed from bricks.
As with other Ewshot defences the pillbox has a turfed roof and walls are fitted with two piece cast embrasures, the flameproof flaps from this example have long disappeared, however one was found while excavating the inside.
The outer shuttering has remaining twisted metal hooks as to secure cam netting, what is unusual they are fitted at just below embrasure height rather than at roof edge.
Several Hawthorn trees and offending branches were removed prior too much of the work which involved clearance of brambles and Blackthorn.
Internally the pillbox received a full clean out that took a good couple of hours using a spade and bucket to convey the silt outside to be spread around the surrounding ground, the floor was well swept out and remains dry as found.
During the internal work several spent .303 rounds were found, dated and identified by the markings on the base.
The internal walls still show traces of whitewash and luckily this pillbox has not suffered from graffiti or vandalism. Over the last 10 years or so i have managed to record 60 intact pillboxes of three different types within a square mile, quite a few of these are un known and survive in many cases hidden away from view in many of the owners large gardens.