NHER 38506 (Monument record) - Site of World War Two defensive structures

November 2004. Norfolk NMP.
A group of World War Two defensive structures is visible on RAF aerial photographs situated on the cliff paths leading to the beach at Overstrand (S1-6). These include several pillboxes, gun emplacements and anti-tank and roadblocks. These structures form part of a network of defences, which protected the coast at Overstrand (NHER 38962, 38980-2).

The earliest aerial photographs where these structures are visible were taken in August 1941 (S1-2), indicated that the defences were constructed in-between August 1940 and August 1941 (S7). Two concrete cubes block the lowest path. A blocking structure is visible on the top path also, although it cannot be seen clearly on aerial photographs. At the base of the cliff path at TG 2528 4076 is a hexagonal type 22 pillbox. Immediately above this, constructed on the eastern end of the lowest path, is a square gun emplacement, 3.5m across. This has a central capping feature, with a triangular profile, projecting from the roof. It is assumed that this is a covering for a top mounted gun position. At the eastern end of the steps at TG 2532 4072 is a second pillbox, a type 20, with a blast wall to the west. In 1942 a second, possibly rectangular, structure is visible to the immediate east of this, measuring 4m by 2.5m. These two structures are visible eroding out of the cliff after the 1953 storm event (S5). At TG 2522 4077, set into the cliff to the west of the middle path, is an angular C-shaped wall, 6.5m long and 1m wide. This appears to be similar in appearance to the pair of gun emplacements situated on the cliff edge in the gardens of Overstrand Hotel (NHER 38981).

In June 1946 (S6) an additional structure is visible at the western base of the steps at TG 2524 4079, measuring 4m by 2.5m. This structure is not visible in 1942 and therefore it is possible that it is a post-war construction. All of these World War Two structures have since been dismantled or destroyed by cliff erosion.
(S1-7)
S. Massey (NMP), 29 November 2004.