Monument record MWX1436 - Second World War Allan Williams Turret, Worbarrow Bay, Tyneham

A World War II steel Allan Williams turret constructed in 1940-41. It is located on a military firing range, overlooking the exit from the beach at Worbarrow Bay, near Tyneham. A field visit in 1997 recorded the structure as an excellent example, some of its original protective paint remained.

An excellent example of an Allan Williams turret: some of its original protective paint remains. The turning mechanism appears to be rusted up. Machine gun bracket is still intact. The pit has 3ft - 4ft of water at the bottom. Allan Williams Turret: welded metal plates and hemispherical top over buried cylinder. One large circular hole in top side of hemisphere with mount. Hatch entrance below gunport. Doors missing. Top revolves. Flooded & metal pierced in 3 places, otherwise in good condition but rusty. On military firing range (overlooking exit from beach), Worbarrow Bay, nr. Tyneham. <1>

A circular structure is visible at NGR SY 87120 79768 on aerial photographs of Worbarrow Bay <3>. It is considered likely to be the remains of the Second World War Allan Williams turret mentioned above. This feature was digitally plotted during the South West Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey (Dorset).

<1> Council for British Archaeology, 1995, Defence of Britain Project, S0000079 (Digital archive). SWX5.

<2> Council for British Archaeology, 2006, Defence of Britain Project Archive DEB01, S0000079 (Excavation archive). SDO17227.

<3> Channel Coastal Observatory, 20-JUL-2008, CCO Aerial Photographic Coverage 2008 (Aerial Photograph). SDO12674.

<4> National Record of the Historic Environment, 1416296 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Mar 29 2023 4:23PM