Freshwater Marsh Pillbox

In 1940, when a German invasion looked certain, these miniature forts were rapidly constructed. Standard designs existed, while slight modifications were occasionally made during construction.In preparation for and during World War II, the island went into full defensive mode because of its strategic location. If the Germans were planning an invasion, it seemed probable that they would want to seize it as soon as possible to establish a safe beachhead from which to start their lightning-fast blitzkrieg campaign.

The War Office anticipated this possibility, so it developed a number of defence systems and made preparations at key locations to slow down any advance forces in the event of an evasion. The placement of strategically placed pillboxes was one such tactic used on the Island.

It was part of the defence line at Yar and was made of concrete in the shape of a polygon. A flight of steps in a private garden are the sole tangible reminder of its former existence.

The field of fire would cover the Freshwater estuary and marsh.

To learn more, check out the various tabs under “Links and Sources”

• http://www.pillbox-study-group.org.uk/

• https://www.iwhistory.org.uk/HER/0805pillboxes.htm#MIW4737