Pillboxes

[REF]

I'm guessing its about here;
http://www.flashearth.com/?lat=51.91...20&r=0&src=msl

[PETERTHEEATER]

I looked at that as the only Nissen type structure in the area (apart from a smaller one to the NE) but I couldn't see the pillbox.

In Google Earth, if you 'rollback' to 17 Apr 2005, the overgrowth is less and a square section structure can be seen just to the west of the Nissen. If that's it then it would have covered the road junction at Haydons Elm (or perhaps it protected the pub)

I make that around SO901236

[OneEighthBit]

It might of been to do with the HAA site at Haydons Elm which was in the field NW of the junction.

[airfields man]

The Pillbox and 'other' building in question are just where REF suggested they may be. I travel along Withybridge Lane to the junction, pub nearby, turn right onto the B4634. A small place to park on the right by a tree, walk back to the junction of Hayden Lane. On this bend there's a Public footpath that allows you into the Pillbox area. At the time of day I got there the sun wasn't in a favorable position, I couldn't go the other-side of the Pillbox as it is private land and a dog was barking quite viciously, plus I was supposed to be working....

[PETERTHEEATER]

It might of been to do with the HAA site at Haydons Elm which was in the field NW of the junction.

I think the HAA sie is coincidental. The pillbox protected the junction and it appears to have been part of the outer defence of the airfield. What type? It seems to be square(ish) so maybe a Type 26 but could be another type.

[OneEighthBit]

I certainly thought I knew where all the pillboxes around Staverton were and can't say I'd heard of this one. I wonder if it's part of the outer ring of defences for the Gloster factory at Brockworth/Hucclecote rather than Staverton?

[PETERTHEEATER]

The pillbox building frenzy took place during 1940 after which the threat of invasion receded. Staverton was a pre-war airfield (1936?) so required protection on any road routes to the airfield area apart from the myriad of actual airfield defences.

The Hucclecote/Brockworth factory was some 3-1/2 miles south of Staverton and was well protected from most directions by the major stop-lines etc. Looking at the subject pillbox location compared to the hundreds of others in the general area, it seems to 'plug' a back road approach from Cheltenham to Staverton not otherwise covered.

[PETERTHEEATER]

Odd, I have twice posted a response to NPs Post No 26 but it aint here!

So Carnaby, there are so many typo errors in the proof copy that you still haven't finished it! Come on, Paul's already got me hooked as a buyer but I suppose that after 70 years of waiting a couple months more wont make any difference.

Meanwhile, the subject pillbox in Street View:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sour...214.37,,2,5.59

[airfields man]

[airfields man]

A few more that I took today, 30-06-10. As you can see it's a bit overgrown but I was fortunate enough this time to photograph from both sides. Hope this is of help in identification?