NHER 27356 (Monument record) - Site of World War Two military structures

April 2005. Norfolk NMP.
A group of possible World War Two military structures may be visible on aerial photographs, located to the rear of the sand dunes to the east of North Gap, Eccles-on-Sea (S1-2). The group is centred on TG 4141 2874. It is possible that one of these structures is a pillbox or gun emplacement. If the remainders of the structures are military in origin, then they may serve as equipment or accommodation buildings for troops engaged in training on the beaches and the defence of the coast, associated with NHER 25959, 27292, 27320-1.

A rectangular structure is visible at approximately TG 4140 2877 on oblique aerial photographs from 1940 (S1). This cannot clearly be distinguished on later aerial photographs, although a possible structure still remains at this location in 1946 (S2), suggested by an area of shadow on the dunes. It is possible that this is defensive structure, such as pillbox or gun emplacement. To the east at TG 4146 2874 is another possible military structure, although it cannot be clearly distinguished on the aerial photographs (S2). It is relatively small, approximately 2m across, and is quite angular, which would suggest that it is not a spigot mortar emplacement or another similarly small emplacement. It is possible that what remains in 1946 is only a fragment of the original structure.

To the south of this are several rectangular structures, the majority of which are centred on TG 4137 2875. It is not clear whether these structures are military in origin, it is possible that they may have served as equipment or accommodation buildings for the troops. However at least one of the structures still remains in 1952 (S3), which could imply a recreational or domestic use, or perhaps the re-use of a military building.
(S1-3)
S. Massey (NMP), 21 April 2004.