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Monument record TQ 65 NE 93 - Bofors AA Gun Tower, West Malling
Summary
This is a rare surviving example of a Bofors Light Anti-aircraft gun which formed part of the defence of West Malling airfield. It stands close to a modern development on the A228.
The concrete and brick tower appears to be of the DFW 55087 type which was designed at the end of 1939 and early examples constructed in the first half of 1940. Its purpose was to defend the airfield from low flying enemy aircraft.
The tower stands about 20m high and consists of 2 parallel, independent structures about 1m apart and linked by cantilevered concrete bridges. Each tower was built with 4 levels, 3 containing the magazine and accommodation chambers.
The gun emplacement was sited on the flat concrete roof.
The towers are mainly derelict.
Location
| Grid reference | Centred TQ 6760 5625 (19m by 18m) Estimated from sources |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | TQ65NE |
| County | KENT |
| District | TONBRIDGE AND MALLING, KENT |
| Civil Parish | WEST MALLING, TONBRIDGE AND MALLING, KENT |
Map
Type and Period (1)
Full Description
<1> Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2001, WWII Bofors AA Gun Tower, Pickett-Hamilton Fort and Pillbox: West Malling Fighter Station, RSM 34304 1-3 (Scheduling record). SKE7928.
<2> Victor T. Smith, 2001, Anti-Aircraft Gun Tower, West Malling Airfield (Unpublished document). SKE7929.
Sources/Archives (2)
Finds (0)
Protected Status/Designation
Related Monuments/Buildings (1)
Related Events/Activities (2)
- Non-Intrusive Event: Field Survey of West Malling Airfield, West Malling, Tonbridge and Malling (EKE5832)
- Non-Intrusive Event: West Malling Airfield, Kings Hill, Kent, Standing Buildings Assessment (Ref: QU-1012/2) (EKE17577)
Record last edited
Sep 30 2019 2:30PM