Cantilever Pillbox, RAF Henley on Thames

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DigitalNoise

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RAF Henley on Thames opened in July 1940 as a Relief Landing Ground (RLG) for White Waltham Tiger Moths. Later it was a RLG for Woodley Magisters. In 1944 529 Sqn arrived with Oxfords, Hornet Moths and Avro Rotas. it was used for "final assembly and flight test" of Spitfires produced by the Reading group of dispersed manufacture. Some small components were produced in the underground workshop which was once a chalk mine at nearby Warren Row. The airfield closed in Oct 1945.
Sveral building still exist but I understand the runway was only ever a grass strip. The airfield itself is pretty much unreckognisable apart from the vast open space.
The only remaining defence structure is this cantilever pillbox. It is a great change from the normal type 22's etc and quite an interesting building in itself.
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I've seen photos of these but still was shocked by the low profile
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The tight entrance
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These days it full of field mice and is used as a hide from which to shoot birds...
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For the sake of it, apparently.
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Detail of the machine gun mount.
 
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That makes me SO angry!!!
I know, pointless murder. Looks like some sicko took to them with the wood and a brick after.
Thanks guys. Theyre rare structures, and it turns out this is my closest pillbox! Nice:)
 
They're popular pillboxes around the airfields of wiltshire and berkshire but not seen many other places, they're lovely aren't they? That one looks particularly clean.

Shame about the muppetry though :(
 
The closest one to you, Foxy, appears to RAF Wroughton, near swindon.
On yer bike luv!!
 

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