Yarbridge Pillbox_1

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.

This concrete type 23 pillbox was designed to house a light mortar or machine gun. It overlooks the river floodplains all the way to St. Helens and features many apertures for rifle coverage. Turn left at the lights onto the Ryde to Sandown Road, and after passing the old Anglers Pub on the left and the hump back bridge, the pillbox will be visible 100 yards down the road on the left. The folks at Island Eye think this is the greatest of the small forts you may explore on the island.

Further information is vailable from the link in the Links and Sources Tabs.

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

• https://www.iwhistory.org.uk/HER/0805pillboxes.htm#MIW4750