NHER 27298 (Monument record) - World War Two pillboxes and defensive structures

September 2005. Norfolk NMP.
A cluster of World War Two defences, including at least two pillboxes, one of which is a type 22 pillbox, and a military installation involving a mast of unknown function, is visible on aerial photographs situated on the dunes at Sea Palling (S1 to S4). The site is centred on TG 4320 2730. The unidentified structure adjacent to the pillbox consists of a tower or mast built onto a rectangular oblong platform with a trench running across the seaward side. It has the appearance of being some sort of communications or observations tower, although the location seems a little exposed and does not appear to be associated with any operational buildings. Although it is possible that these are built into the platform and therefore not visible.

The type 22 pillbox is located at TG 4321 2730, although the rectification may be slightly inaccurate due to coastal control issues. In 1940 the pillbox is largely dug into the sand and only the front face and roof are visible projecting out from the surface (S1 and 2). Also visible in 1940 is a rectangular pillbox or gun emplacement which is only just visible projecting out of the sands, in front of and to the west of the rest of the group.

The remainder of the group consists of an oblong platform is centred on TG 4320 2730 and measures 16m by 10m, a parallel bank also runs along the landward side. In 1940 this platform appears to have a fence or barrier around the edge (S1 and 2). The shadow profile of the central tower in 1952 (S3) indicates that it consists of several dishes (or similar features) attached to a tower or mast structure. This has the appearance of a communications tower, perhaps related to radio or radar. After the 1953 floods various large slabs of concrete are exposed, presumably originally encased within the earthen platform (S4). The largest of these is rectangular and measures 5.5m by 6.5m.
S. Massey (NMP), 28 September 2005.