NHER 38835 (Monument record) - World War Two gun emplacements and pill boxes

October 2004. Norfolk NMP.
A line of World War Two date gun emplacements and pillboxes are visible on aerial photographs along the cliff top in front of North Lodge Park, Cromer (S1 to S5). The pillboxes have been interpreted as a pair of type 24s and a pair of type 20 heavy machine gun emplacements In 1941 to 1942 the promenade below was also protected by beach scaffolding (NHER 38832) and two type 22 pillboxes (NHER 32576, 38833). The site is centred on TG 2227 4212.

The eastern most gun emplacement is located at TG 2231 4210. There are two potential structures visible at this location and it is not entirely clear whether both are definitely military in origin. On the oblique aerial photographs from 1940 to 1941 a lozenge shaped shelter is visible (S1 to S3), this has the appearance of a recreational feature. This shelter appears to be sitting on a vegetation covered shelf or platform. On the verticals aerial photographs of the same date (S3) this flat area of vegetation has a more stone like appearance. The profile would also suggest that this is the firing face similar to that of a type 24 or similar pillbox and 5m wide. This would suggest that the pillbox was heavily camouflaged from the front. This camouflage must have been removed by 1942 as the gun emplacement is much clearer on the vertical aerial photographs (S5). The interior of the seemingly recreational shelter is not clear on the oblique aerial photographs (S2-3), but it is possible that it is concealing a further military structure. The shelter is not marked on the 2nd edition Ordnance Survey map (25", 1902-7) (S8). The structure is still visible in 1946 (S6), however it had been demolished by 1955 and replaced by a similar shelter to the west (S7). It seems likely that an existing cliff top shelter was incorporated into the military defences and the gun emplacement or pillbox constructed in front of it.

In 1941 a further series of gun emplacements, pillboxes and structures are erected to the west of this first gun position. At TG 2227 4212 on the opposing side of the steps down to the promenade is a second pillbox, which appears to be of comparable size and shape to the first. It is possible that this is also present in 1940, but too well camouflaged to be seen on the oblique aerial photograph (S1). In 1941, despite the camouflage, the profile of the pillbox can clearly be seen projecting from the cliff (S2-4). At TG 2226 4212 and TG 2223 4213 are two pillboxes, measuring 4m across and with a chamfered front face and a blast wall to the west (S3-4). These are possible type 20 heavy machine gun emplacements. To the east of these two pillboxes is a small rectangular structure, measuring 2.5m by 1m. This structure appears to be associated with the military defences but its actual purpose is unknown.

This pillboxes and gun emplacements all entirely appear to have been demolished by late 1946, with only the eastern emplacement still showing, although in a dilapidated state (S3).
S. Massey (NMP), 08 October 2004.