Monument record MDO44657 - World War Two pillbox, Thorncombe

A World War II pillbox facing west towards the railway at Broom Bridge and located on Gardners Farm, north of Holditch Lane in Holditch. It was constructed in 1940-41 and was built of concrete.

Mr. Harris of Garners Farm states there was a pillbox here facing W towards railway at Broom Bridge. The site may be visible as well on a RAF 1947 AP. Gardners Farm, N of Holditch Lane, Holditch, nr. Axminster. <1> <2> A World War II pillbox facing west towards the railway at Broom Bridge and located on Gardners Farm, north of Holditch Lane in Holditch. It was constructed in 1940-41 and was built of concrete. The site may be visible on a RAF 1947 Aerial photograph. The anti invasion defence works at Wadbrook formed part of the Taunton Stop Line which ran from Seaton on the Devon coast to Highbridge on the Bristol Channel. The Line which primarily followed natural waterways such as the River Axe and River Parrett was put in place to stop enemy advance from the west and the Devon, Somerset or Cornish coasts. The line was constructed by 551st and 552nd Army Troops Company Royal Engineers and manned in 1940 and 1941 by the 48th Division of VIII Corps. Later the Wadbrook sector of the Line was manned by the Axminster Company of the Seaton Battalion Home Guard.The main anti tank obstacle at Wadbrook was the River Axe, the banks of which were cut and steepened. This line was strengthened with a variety of concrete man made obstacles, pillboxes and artificial ditches. <4>

Record last edited

Nov 11 2022 1:47PM