WW2 Dummy U.S Pillboxes.

[DevonMike]

In 1944 in preparation for the Normandy landings North Devon was considered a ideal area to practice for the liberation of Europe. These Pillboxes were constructed of concrete that was poured into corrugated iron moulds and could easlly be repaired after being blasted by the high explosives required to breach the defences.Some of the structures were repaired and others left as they were.The final picture is particularly poignant as it has the initials of PFC A A Augustine scratched into the concrete when wet,sadly he never returned home and was one of many casualties on D.Day.

 

[DevonMike]

Apologies for the couple of duplicate pics

 

[night crawler]

Looks like they are just walls with a fake embrasure in them

 

[DevonMike]

Looks like they are just walls with a fake embrasure in them

Yep,thats what they are,some a lot thicker than others but all are reinforced to replicate the real thing.

 

[Walrus75]

Are they up on Baggy Point? --> Google Maps

Must have been associated with the Braunton Burrows US Training Center.
Braunton Burrows US Assault Training Centre » Normandy War Guide

 

[DevonMike]

They are indeed,the inscribed one took some finding as the elements have taken their toll,the majority are quite easy to spot but a couple are in afeild surrounded by a electric fence.

 

[Walrus75]

They are indeed,the inscribed one took some finding as the elements have taken their toll,the majority are quite easy to spot but a couple are in afeild surrounded by a electric fence.

Shame the t'internet wasn't on the go 30 years ago, I lived at Chivenor for 3 years back in the early 90's and only became aware of the WW2 history associated with the Burrows and surrounding area in the last few months I was there so, sadly, never really had a good knowledge of them nor the chance to explore them properly. Ach well, such is life.

 

[DevonMike]

Shame the t'internet wasn't on the go 30 years ago, I lived at Chivenor for 3 years back in the early 90's and only became aware of the WW2 history associated with the Burrows and surrounding area in the last few months I was there so, sadly, never really had a good knowledge of them nor the chance to explore them properly. Ach well, such is life.

True,however i find it amazing that many,many people who live here know nothing of the the history of the place even today.

 

[DevonMike]

Planning on posting some more ww2 sites soon. My son is doing a project at school on ww2 so its a perfect opportunity to get out and about.