FW3/24 at Great Copse, Ranmore Common, Surrey.
Sequence number 86 – NGR TQ125495.
Continuing on the North Downs another unusual built pillbox can be found south of Great Copse near Ranmore Common.
This modified type 24 sits at the edge of a very steep forward drop which continues around to its west facing side.
Like the majority of others found along the North Downs Way the defence was built with 51†shell proof front walls, however this is only up to waist level or where the loophole table platform is, above this they are reduced down to 33†to ceiling height.

Plan view showing unusual mix of wall dimensions and step down entrance.
Plan copyright Tim Denton 2012
Three of the four embrasures are the large square concrete castings with the thick metal strips giving additional protection, note the loophole opening is obstructed by 50% restricting the depression of weapon as well as vision!. Inside the west facing loop has a raised platform and an embrasure different from the others as it is no more than a basic narrow slot with minimal vision.
- Blank east facing wall with smoke vent
- Forward facing loopholes, note reduction in wall thickness
- West facing loophole with raised shelf.
To help clear the inside of the pillbox from fumes and smoke there are three small smoke vents, one frontward and on each rear side walls.
The rear wall is only 24†thick and devoid of loopholes, an unusual and perhaps considered extravagant feature is the brick built platform above the entrance steps.
- Brick platform preceeding steps down
- A very basic loophole with no provision for weapon mounting points
- One of three of the main facing embrasures showing metal protection strips.
As with the preceding pillbox at Picket Post the internal space is dissected with a short stubby blast wall.
- Side on view looking West.
- Small internal blast wall
- Basic and narrow West facing side loophole.
This is the only shell proof defence on the North Downs Way without provision for the mounting or support of machine gun or the Boys AT rifle, all of loophole apertures are finished in the most basic form. As you can see from the pictures time and the weather has taken its toll on the external brick shuttering.