Barkham Rectangular Variant


Located on the B3349 near Wokingham/Aborfield. NGR: SU777668

This rectangular bullet proof  variant design  can be found close to the road covering a small bridge near Barkham on the B3349,  Wokingham to Arborfield Road in Berkshire.

Barkham type 26 pillbox

Barkham type 26 pillbox

It once formed part of the outer defence perimeter for the nearby army garrison at Arborfield camp, during WWII this was a main REME garrison. I  discovered that an old family friend (deceased) was one of a small team of men who were employed by the army in its construction during the early war years, he was a labourer for the local Wokingham District Council and one of a small group who were drafted in to work on the local defence projects.

Barkham type 26 pillbox

Barkham type 26 pillbox

The rectangular brick shuttered pillbox features unusual cast twin embrasures that face north covering the approach to the bridge.

Barkham type 26 pillbox

Barkham type 26 pillbox

Single loopholes can be seen on the both ends, and on the rear . The low central back entrance is protected by a small brick blast-wall, the rear loophole is above the low entrance way.

Barkham type 26 pillbox

Barkham type 26 pillbox

Three more pillboxes of this design survive in the area, another was demolished during  road widening in the mid 1980s.

Barkham type 26 pillbox

Barkham type 26 pillbox

By Tim Denton.