Record Details

NHER Number:51898
Type of record:Monument
Name:Site of a World War Two spigot mortar emplacement on the line of Norwich's anti-tank ditch

Summary

A World War Two spigot mortar emplacement is visible on the bank of the defensive anti-tank ditch (NHER 51893), in close proximity to a Type 24 pillbox (NHER 51899).

Images - none

Location

Grid Reference:TG 2644 1086
Map Sheet:TG21SE
Parish:THORPE ST ANDREW, BROADLAND, NORFOLK

Full description

November 2008. Norfolk NMP.
A World War Two spigot mortar emplacement is visible at TG 2644 1086 (S1), situated within the bank on the inside of the defensive anti-tank ditch that was excavated around the city of Norwich in the second half of 1940 (NHER 51893).
The emplacement consists of a pit feature approximately 3.7m by 4m containing a concrete ‘thimble’ 1.3m in diameter, with ammunition lockers visible to each side, and is similar to another spigot mortar emplacement which is located approximately 370m to the northwest beside Woodside Road (NHER 51897).
It is situated 14m to the northwest of a type 24 pillbox (NHER 51899), and is strategically placed to defend a 90 degree bend in the anti-tank ditch at this point, as it follows the field boundary to the north of a substantial wooded area, Racecourse plantation. More recent aerial photographs (S3) illustrate that the emplacement has since been filled in.
E. Bales (NMP), 5 November 2008.

Monument Types

  • SPIGOT MORTAR EMPLACEMENT (World War Two - 1939 AD to 1945 AD)

Associated Finds - none

Protected Status - none

Sources and further reading

<S1>Vertical Aerial Photograph: RAF. 1945. RAF 106G/UK/789 6055-6 10-SEPT-1945 (NMR).
<S2>Monograph: Brown, I. & Lowry, B. (eds.). 1996. 20th century defences in Britain: an introductory guide..
<S3>Vertical Aerial Photograph: BKS. 1988. BKS 9856 06-AUG-1988 (NCC 1434).

Related records

51893Related to: Site of World War Two defensive anti tank ditch around city of Norwich (Monument)
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