NHER 43335 (Monument record) - World War Two defensive structures, South Beach Parade, South Denes

March 2006. Norfolk NMP.
A group of World War Two defensive structures are visible on aerial photographs to the seaward side of South Beach Parade, South Denes, Great Yarmouth (S1). The site consists of several concrete bases, presumably for gun emplacements or possibly searchlights, and a large structure, potentially a gun house camouflaged as a seaside building. The Denes was heavily defended with a variety of pillboxes, gun positions, trenches and barbed wire see NHER 43323 for overview of area. The site is centred on TG 5331 0413.

All of these structures get constructed after February 1941 (S2). The main component of the site is a large rectangular structure, 12.5m by 8m, with a pyramid-shaped roof on top, which does not appear to fit with the structure and is therefore likely to be camouflage. To the rear of this larger building are two conjoined concrete structures. This has the appearance of a concealed gun house. To the immediate north of this is a square concrete base, 5.5m across. This has a central structure, possibly a gun mounted on a pedestal or holdfast. Alongside the barbed wire (NHER 43323) to the north are a pair of concrete bases or sunken structures. The eastern one is sub-circular in shape, approximately 3m in diameter, and the other is slightly lozenge-shaped and 4m by 3m. Banks surround both structures and the lozenge-shaped one has the appearance of being semi-sunken and camouflaged. It is possible that this is a pillbox or similar gun position.
S. Massey (NMP), 2 March 2006.