Monument record MWX1436 - Second World War Allan Williams Turret, Worbarrow Bay, Tyneham
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Summary
A World War II steel Allan Williams turret constructed in 1940-41. It is located on a military firing range, overlooking the exit from the beach at Worbarrow Bay, near Tyneham. A field visit in 1997 recorded the structure as an excellent example, some of its original protective paint remained.
Map
Type and Period (1)
Full Description
An excellent example of an Allan Williams turret: some of its original protective paint remains. The turning mechanism appears to be rusted up. Machine gun bracket is still intact. The pit has 3ft - 4ft of water at the bottom. Allan Williams Turret: welded metal plates and hemispherical top over buried cylinder. One large circular hole in top side of hemisphere with mount. Hatch entrance below gunport. Doors missing. Top revolves. Flooded & metal pierced in 3 places, otherwise in good condition but rusty. On military firing range (overlooking exit from beach), Worbarrow Bay, nr. Tyneham. <1>
A circular structure is visible at NGR SY 87120 79768 on aerial photographs of Worbarrow Bay <3>. It is considered likely to be the remains of the Second World War Allan Williams turret mentioned above. This feature was digitally plotted during the South West Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey (Dorset).
Sources/Archives (4)
- <1> SWX5 Digital archive: Council for British Archaeology. 1995. Defence of Britain Project. S0000079.
- <2> SDO17227 Excavation archive: Council for British Archaeology. 2006. Defence of Britain Project Archive DEB01. S0000079.
- <3> SDO12674 Aerial Photograph: Channel Coastal Observatory. 20-JUL-2008. CCO Aerial Photographic Coverage 2008.
- <4> SDO14739 Digital archive: National Record of the Historic Environment. 1416296.
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (1)
Location
| Grid reference | Centred SY 87129 79783 (21m by 33m) (3 map features) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | SY87NE |
| Civil Parish | Steeple with Tyneham; Dorset |
| Unitary Authority | Dorset |
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Other Statuses/References
- Defence of Britain database: S0000079
- Legacy UID: Dorset Sites and Monuments Record: 6 022 054
- Legacy UID: National Monuments Record: SY 87 NE 11
- Legacy UID: National Record of the Historic Environment: 1416296
Record last edited
Mar 29 2023 4:23PM