Monument record MWX1439 - Second World War anti-tank blocks, Worbarrow Tout, Tyneham

A group of 13 anti-tank blocks are visible on RAF aerial photographs of Worbarrow Tout taken in 1945. They are aligned in two rows above the beach at Pondfield (NGR SY 87080 79647), blocking the exit from the cove in a small dry valley. The tank trap was constructed in 1940-41 and comprises thirteen anti-tank blocks measuring 4 feet square and situated 4 feet apart. The blocks were built in situ using a shingle and concrete mix. The concrete apex appears to be added later. A field visit in 1996 found the tank trap to be in a good condition.

13 anti-tank blocks sited in the small valley at Worbarrow Tout. Dimensions, 4ft square (3ft 3ins above ground level with concrete apex built on top; ground to apex is 5ft on average). Spacing, 4ft between each consecutive block with 5ft 6ins between the two rows. Built in situ using shingle/concrete mix. Concrete apex appears to be added later. Several blocks have 6ft diameter: 1.5ins deep holes on one elevation. <1-3>

A group of 13 anti-tank blocks are visible on RAF aerial photographs of Worbarrow Tout taken in 1945 <4>. They are aligned in two rows above the beach at Pondfield (NGR SY 87080 79647), blocking the exit from the cove. These features were digitally plotted during the South West Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey (Dorset). They are still visible in their original positions on the most recent comprehensive aerial images availabel to the project <5>.

<1> Council for British Archaeology, 1995, Defence of Britain Project, S0003137 (Digital archive). SWX5.

<2> Council for British Archaeology, 2003, Defence of Britain Project Database, S0003137 (Machine readable data file). SDO128.

<3> Council for British Archaeology, 2006, Defence of Britain Project Archive DEB01, S0003137 (Excavation archive). SDO17227.

<4> Royal Air Force, 27-MAR-1945, RAF 106G/LA/200 2002-3 (Aerial Photograph). SDO12964.

<5> Channel Coastal Observatory, 15-OCT-2010, CCO Aerial Photographic Coverage 2009 (Aerial Photograph). SDO12622.

<6> National Record of the Historic Environment, 1419131 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Aug 11 2023 3:40PM