Monument record TQ 85 NW 137 - Second World War Type 22 LAA Variant pillbox, Detling air-field

Summary

Hexagonal Second World War pillbox guarding RAF Detling. It has conventional infantry loopholes in the sides with a central pitwith vertically set pipe intended for the mounting of an anti-aircraft machine gun. Concrete construction, the loopholeds stepped externally and splayed internally.

Location

Grid reference TQ 80711 59680 (point)
Map sheet TQ85NW
County KENT
District MAIDSTONE, KENT
Civil Parish THURNHAM, MAIDSTONE, KENT

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

Hexagonal Second World War pillbox guarding RAF Detling. It has conventional infantry loopholes in the sides with a central pitwith vertically set pipe intended for the mounting of an anti-aircraft machine gun. Concrete construction, the loopholeds stepped externally and splayed internally.

A 2024 survey described it as "Pill Box Type 22 LAA Variant. .5 miles North of County Showground, on the edge of a chestnut wood or coppice., part of former RAF Detling. Brick facing and concrete construction, six sided, with machine gun embrasures, sealed on inside. Doorway is partly sealed . Two embrasures have been modified to accommodate a square frame with protruding sections, possibly some sort of specialist mounting. There is also a blast wall protecting the entrance. Very good overall condition. " (1)


<1> Kent Defence Research Group, 2024/5, Site recording form for the Maidstone 20th Century Defences Project (Digital archive). SKE56292.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> Digital archive: Kent Defence Research Group. 2024/5. Site recording form for the Maidstone 20th Century Defences Project.

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Record last edited

Feb 24 2025 12:58PM