NHER 27297 (Monument) - World War Two pillbox

September 2005. Norfolk NMP.
A large World War Two pillbox and a possibly associated structure or gun emplacement are visible on aerial photographs situated on the dunes at Sea Palling (S1 to S3). The pillbox is camouflaged during the war (S1). The site is centred on TG 4314 2737. Other World War Two coastal defences were recorded within this area (NHER 27294 to 6, 27298 to 27300).

The pillbox is located at TG 4313 2738. In 1940 a concrete structure dug into beach with camouflage on top can be identified. In 1952 the shadow and profile of the structures gives the impression that it has a chamfered front and sloping roof (S2), although it cannot be seen particularly clearly. After the 1953 floods there is a quite clear rectangular structure in the same location, measuring 7m by 6m. This could suggest that the core is rectangular and had additional structural elements on top, perhaps relating to camouflaged top and the main rectangular structure being completely dug into the shingle bank prior to the floods. The smaller rectangular is located approximately 32m to the east. It is possible that this structure had a military function given is proximity to the pillbox, it may have been an additional gun emplacement.
S. Massey (NMP), 28 September 2005.