Shanklin Chine Pillbox

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.

Below the stairs down to the beach on the northern side of Shanklin chine is where you’ll discover this small pillbox. It was likely staffed with machine guns and dug into the rock face below the shore to protect it. The entrance measures only 3 feet by 1.9 feet.

Also of interest to fans of the PLUTO opertion is the remnant of the original PipeLine Under The Ocean, which supplied the army with fuel, oil, diesel and water during operation overlord in 1944. This section can be seen running down the chine.

• https://www.iwhistory.org.uk/HER/0805pillboxes.htm#MIW6372
• http://www.pillbox-study-group.org.uk