Ok nothing too exciting, but as they are quite rare, thought Id post it up for others to see.
I found this while scouring the island with FlashEarth, so thought we should go and investigate.
This turret is located in a random field between Wroxall and St Boniface down Ventnor. It is also very near the vent pipe for the old Ventnor railway tunnel. The only viable reason for this situated here was to possibly help protect RAF Ventnor during the war.
Given that there were only 200 made, we have 3 of them here on the Island, the other 2 are situated on top of Bembridge Fort (a later report).
A bit of history;
(Allan Williams Turret & Plaque at Exmouth Beach)
First impressions is that it seems to be complete and in reasonable condition.
And again.
The loop hole doors still slide.
The top loop hole still has the lid although its detached.
The entrance pit still has the cover.
Looking out of the top loop hole, with gun mount in view.
Looking out of the lower loop hole, with gun mount in view.
And again.
With the doors of the lower loop hole shut.
It still has a seat in it, but the other is rusted away.
One of the wheels it used to revolve with, the whole inside was covered with snails, and it didnt rotate.
This is the vent for the old Ventnor railway tunnel.
Now with a cover on it, as Southern Water own it.
More info can be found here;
http://www.pillbox-study-group.org.uk/
http://www.pillboxesuk.co.uk
Thanks for looking, comments welcome
I found this while scouring the island with FlashEarth, so thought we should go and investigate.
This turret is located in a random field between Wroxall and St Boniface down Ventnor. It is also very near the vent pipe for the old Ventnor railway tunnel. The only viable reason for this situated here was to possibly help protect RAF Ventnor during the war.
Given that there were only 200 made, we have 3 of them here on the Island, the other 2 are situated on top of Bembridge Fort (a later report).
A bit of history;
Pillbox formed by a metal turret, which could be rotated through a full 360 degrees, set above a steel and brick-lined pit Manned by two crew members usually with a Lewis Gun. It was designed for all types of light machine gun to be fired either through the front loophole which was further protected by shutters, or through the circular opening in the roof in a light anti-aircraft role. It could also be armed with the Boys anti-tank rifle. The army did not favour the design, most were installed at airfields. Nearly 200 Allan Williams Turrets were made and installed, salvaging of the metal after the war means that today very few remain.
(Allan Williams Turret & Plaque at Exmouth Beach)
First impressions is that it seems to be complete and in reasonable condition.
And again.
The loop hole doors still slide.
The top loop hole still has the lid although its detached.
The entrance pit still has the cover.
Looking out of the top loop hole, with gun mount in view.
Looking out of the lower loop hole, with gun mount in view.
And again.
With the doors of the lower loop hole shut.
It still has a seat in it, but the other is rusted away.
One of the wheels it used to revolve with, the whole inside was covered with snails, and it didnt rotate.
This is the vent for the old Ventnor railway tunnel.
Now with a cover on it, as Southern Water own it.
More info can be found here;
http://www.pillbox-study-group.org.uk/
http://www.pillboxesuk.co.uk
Thanks for looking, comments welcome