There was a Second World War Flame Projecting Installation on Bridge Hill, in a road cutting at or near the edge of the then built-up area. Flame projecting installations were ‘intended to supplement existing defences’ – in this case probably an (unrecorded?) roadblock on the perimeter of the Blean Nodal Point.’ This was more-or-less complete by the start of November 1940, at which time (and in which connection) such installations were described as consisting ‘of a series of pipes with sprinkler attachments through which [usually] a mixture of petrol and oil … [could] be sprayed and set alight by a Molotov cocktail or other means. They [were] primarily used in connection with blocks in defiles, roads and exits from beaches. They [required to be] be covered with fire from adjacent posts in order to prevent enemy interference.’ All that remained was to charge the (brick) tank and lay ‘electric signal bells and cable.’ This installation was provided with a ‘power pump’ rather than the more usual hand-pump; the road cutting will have helped to channel the fireball for greater effect. The installation was in existence until at least mid June 1941, probably longer.
Owner : Public
Publicly accessible : Yes
How accessed for survey :
Tourism Potential :
Condition : unknown
Date of visit :

CBA Defence of Britain Project (Digital archive). SKE15273.

CBA Defence of Britain Project (Digital archive). Ske15273.

John Herbert, Verbal Communication (Verbal communication). SKE15270.

John Herbert, Verbal Communication (Verbal communication). Ske15270.

43 Division General Staff, 01/01/40, War Diary 43 Division General Staff (Unpublished document). SKE15268.

43 Division General Staff, 01/01/40, War Diary 43 Division General Staff (Unpublished document). Ske15268.

260 Field Company Royal Engineers, 01/01/41, War Diary 260 Field Company Royal Engineers (Unpublished document). SKE15272.

260 Field Company Royal Engineers, 01/01/41, War Diary 260 Field Company Royal Engineers (Unpublished document). Ske15272.

43 Division General Staff, 01/01/41, War Diary 43 Division General Staff (Unpublished document). SKE15269.

43 Division General Staff, 01/01/41, War Diary 43 Division General Staff (Unpublished document). Ske15269.