Allen-Williams Turrets

**Richard Drew** · 13-07-2008, 22:36

Not strictly airfield but here is a turret that was sighted on the hill above its present resting place at Tyneham village on Lulworth tank ranges, Dorset.

**REF** · 29-07-2008, 18:28

This Allen-Williams Turret is at Thorpe Camp, Woodhall Spa.

**Vestanpants** · 13-08-2008, 20:46

Hi all

There is an in situ Allen-Williams turret at the former RAF Llandwrog airfield, Caernarfon, Gwynedd.

Curiously, there is the upper shell of an A-W turret on display adjacent to the war memorial in Builth Wells, Powys. It has been renovated by the Mid Wales Military Society, the story of which was published in the PSG's journal Loopholes. The odd thing about this one is that it was used on an inland stop line miles away from an airfield. Does anyone know of any other examples not sited on airfields? Tyneham village listed above would appear to be one. I only ask as I was under the impression that this defensive structure was only used on airfields.

Cheers,

VP

**Phillip Rhodes** · 15-08-2008, 15:16

Sorry to disappoint, but the turret at Driffield was removed a few years ago. Today (August 15th) is the 68th anniversary of the bombing of RAF Driffield.

No news regarding the site, which being a residential development site is in limbo, until the crisis in the housing market is over. I'm probably the only person in the UK who is quite pleased that there has been a downturn in the housing market. That said, it would be good to know how the new owners of RAF West Raynham are coping.

Anyone know of any other effect this is having of similar sites?

**Vestanpants** · 09-09-2008, 21:25

I visited Chapel Bay Fort in Pembrokeshire on Saturday and there is the upper part of an AW turret on display there. I wonder whether it was from Angle or Dale airfields?

VP

**Winchy** · 07-10-2008, 17:16

Originally Posted by norwichpaul

Allan Williams Turrets (that I know about)

Arbroath 1
Gosport 6
Grantham 1
North Weald 1
Peterborough (Westwood) 2
Radlet 1

I think that there is 2 in Grantham.
I am going to try to find the second one. I have been told that one is near the former RAF Spitlegate, the TA barracks.

I will let you know when i do, with its exact location.

**kebecker** · 07-10-2008, 21:54

Winchy, I recall seeing on near Spittlegate acessed along a road of the Ancaster road, past the HGV test station, went back this year and got confused (again!!!!) I believe it is on a private road before you get to the road into Barrowby, and if memory serves was on the right hand side of said road.

**Hawkeye001** · 05-01-2009, 13:49

Went and had a look at this turret near Harlaxton Manor near Grantham and with Al looking to the skys i think expecting to see some dive bomber pigeons ( only Joking ).

Good day had by all me thinks.

Regards,

HawkEye001

**PaulHP** · 04-04-2009, 23:39

Photos of the North Weald ones can be found at http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=north%2 ... 1978%40N00

**outkast** · 27-11-2009, 12:10

[QUOTE=Denis;2833]That very example depicted at Duxford, was removed from Bumbles Green, Nazeing, some years ago. It was recovered by the Royal Engineers from a point just about opposite the old Village school.
It defended the junction of the Nazeing-Broadley Common road. It wasnt actually that far from the dummy airfield at Nazeing.

Thats interesting Denis as I was passing that exact spot the other day and noticed a line of anti tanks blocks still there, these were part of the outer london defence ring so I geuss the allan williams turret was part of the same