Monument record MWX1467 - Second World War range observation bunker or pillbox, Studland Heath, Studland

A World War II range observation bunker or pillbox on Studland Heath. It was probably constructed in 1940-41 and is built of concrete and brick. The structure is rectangular in plan and measures 3.6 metres north-south and 2.7 metres east-west. The front east side of the building is overgrown and partly buried but a one metre wide embrasure is visible here. The entrance on the west side has been blocked. From 1942 Studland Heath was in use as a military training area. Although this structure has been described as a possible pillbox, it is more likely to be range observation bunker, as it faces south and therefore it seems very unlikely to have an anti-invasion role. A field visit in 1995 found the structure to be in a good condition.

A concrete and breeze block pillbox. It has been cut into a larger bank and ditch aligned N to S. The bank alignment is recorded in the 19th century but it may have been modified in the 1940's as it is 1.5m high. The building is rectangular in plan 3.6m N to S and 2.7m E to W. The W 1.8m of the roof is flat but the remaining 0.9m slopes to the ground. The front E side of the building is overgrown and partly buried but a 1m wide embrasure is visible here. The entrance on the W side has been blocked. Studland Heath, Corfe Castle Estate, Studland. <1>

<1> Council for British Archaeology, 1995, Defence of Britain Project, S0007711 (Digital archive). SWX5.

<2> Council for British Archaeology, 2006, Defence of Britain Project Archive DEB01, S0007711 (Excavation archive). SDO17227.

<3> National Record of the Historic Environment, 1422092 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Jul 15 2024 11:11AM