waverley abbey
anti-tank gun emplacement historic building analysis and recording workbook n.kester I 17034766 I oxford brookes university
“We shall fight on the beaches....we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills....� -Winston Churchill
1. investigation and analysis 5 1.1 ordinance survey 12 1.2 annotated sketches 14 1.3 annotated diagram 17 1.4 annotated photographs 18 2 photographic survey 20 2.1 external photographs 21 2.2 internal photographs 22 2.3 historic photographs 24 3 building survey process 26 3.1 method & process 27 3.2 materials list 28 3.3 health & safety 29 4 building survey 30 4.1 plan 31 4.2 elevation & sections 32 4.3 loophole one: plan/elevation/section 33 4.4 loophole two: plan/elevation/section 34 5 appendix 35 6 bibliography 38
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table of contents
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investigation analysis
1
A pillbox is one of the defense mechanisms from World War II which was used to defend Britain from the German army during 1940 and 1941. Other defneses include anti-ditch barriers and dragon’s teeth. There are approximately 28,000 pillboxes which were built during this time period, with approximately 6,500 still surviving today. There are seven different types of pillboxes (Type 22 to 28) which were built by the Directorate of Fortifications and Works (FW3). They were directed by the War Office’s director, Major-General G.B.O.Taylor. Basic Designs Included: - Minimum Splinter Proof/Bullet Protection - Living Accomodations were not provided - Shell Proof Standard - Blast Walls at Open Entrances for Protection - Rectangular or Polygonal Shape with External Flat Side Walls The doors, flat sides, and loopholes were are common designs which allowed for concrete shuttering and the mass production of items for faster construction. Due to a lack in materials in the country at this time however, most pillboxes were shuttered by brick. However, unlike its appearance, the pillboxes were actually built of reinforced concrete underneath the brickwork. Pillbox Study Group,Types of Pillbox. 2018. Available at: http://www.pillbox-study-group.org.uk/types-of-pillbox/ [Accessed May 7, 2018].
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WHAT IS A PILLBOX?
In June 1940, Britain began to build defnese works against the German invasion due to the British Expepditionary Force’s defeat in France. 230,000 troops from the British army and 110,000 French soldiers retreated to Dunkirk after the defeat. Realizing that British beaches were vulnerable to German attack, Emergency Coast Defense Batteries were established and surveys of vulnerable beaches began. The defenses built were meant to prevent enemy invasion via coastline, prevent the capture of ports and its supplies/reinforcements, prevent enemy invasion of communication routes, provide communication centres with defense, protect vulnerable points, and prevent airborne landings. In reponse, coastal and area defenses were built, airfields and vulnerable points recieved pillboxes, open areas received trenches and obstacles, and by 1941, in order to change strategies, coastal and area defense replaced stop line defense strategies. The usage of stop lines create a prepared battlefield, such as the General Headquarters Line (GHQ), which divided the countryside through road blocks, railway blocks, pillboxes, trenches, anti-tank gun emplacements, and infantry. The English landscape, as created by World War II defense systems, is the embodiment of Winston Churchill’s quote: “We shall fight on the beaches....we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills....” Council for British Archeology (2002). INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW. Available at: http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/catalogue//adsdata/arch-455-1/dissemination/pdf/DA_Report_INTRODUCTION.pdf [Accessed May 7, 2018].
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PILLBOX HISTORY
Materials: Clay Brick, Reinforced Concrete
Waverley Abbey is 2 1/2 miles SSE of Farnham
The Waverley Abbey Anti-Tank Gun Emplacement is made of red clay bricks and reinforced concrete. The walls are at minimum, two feet thick through the courtyard and approximately four feet thick through the enclosed structure. These thicknesses allowed for the structure to become shellproof, withstand dive-bomber attacks, and withstand artillery. On top of the walls, there are brick and mortar castellations which are using to break of the linear facade and create a form of camouflage. The structure is built around an existing tree which is on the southwest facade of the anti-tank gun emplacement. The roof of the structure is constructed of concrete and currently is also covered in overgrowth from surrounding plants. The loopholes throughout the masonry walls in the courtyard are all constructed of concrete.
County: Surrey Parishes: Farnham/Tilford NGR: Centre of area, SU 870455 The Waverley Abbey Anti-Tank Gun Emplacement is located along the Waverley River Loops. and the GHQ Line. The river was not considered to be a strong enough prevention for tanks, so defenses were built along the river loops along Waverleymill Bridge and Waverley Abbey. The area was protected by the 2nd Bn. Surrey Home Guard and the 4th and 5th Canadian Infantry Brigades. These defenses are an example of front-edge anti-tank obstacles which were placed along the GHQ Line using ditches and anti-tank and machine guns.
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waverley abbey anti-tank gun emplacement
Facing Northwest and located in the car park at Waverleymill Bridge at the entrance of Waverly Abbey, is the anti-tank gun emplacement defence work with an attached open courtyard area. Still surviving today in almost perfect condition, it has a four small loopholes within the courtyard, castellations on top of the wall, and one large opening. The castellations on the anti-tank gun emplacement were used as a camouflage mechanism. The survival of the castellations, in fact, is rare and makes this structure unique.1 In the vicinity, is another pillbox to the east. and anti-tank dragon’s teeth. These are part of the local defenses, which included Stella Cottage’s four roadblocks, one of which was on Waverleymill Bridge to the east of the anti-tank gun emplacement. Stella Cottage is a Grade-II listed building. 1
(Council for British Archaeology, 2009, pp. 5 - 6)
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Location & Vicinity
figure 1 map showing stella cottage’s locality to the anti-tank emplacement (black symbol by river) as well as the structure’s location along Waverley Lane
A Type 28 pillbox is a shellproof pillbox designed to house anti-tank weaponry. The typical design includes one large embrasure at the front fo the anti-tank weapon. The Type 28 pillbox also includes several loopholes which were suitable for light machine guns and rifles at the rear and sides of the pillbox. Type 28 pillboxes can be found in difference thickness, contain a variety of loop holes, use various forms of modifications or camouflage, and built of various materials. Being shellproof, they were often appeared to be built by solely bricks. In fact, “when shuttered with brick, the shuttering was often left on the outside of the concrete casing, as it would have been inefficient to remove the mould. This added an extra layer to the pillboxes created in this way, often making them appear as made from bricks alone.� 3
3
(Anon, 2018)
Waverley Abbey Anti-Tank Gun Emplacement Description2: - Type 28 Emplacement - Brick Shuttered Concrete - Concrete Roof and Embrasure - Irreagular Hexagonal Form - Built Around a Tree - One Anti-Tank Gun Embrasure - Battlements/Castellations Along Silhouette - Concrete Floor with Earth Arc for Gun - Slanting Entrance
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Type 28 Pillbox
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figure 24interactive map showing pillboxes located within Surrey as found by the Historic Environment Record (HER) with Waverley Abbey Defenses circles (Anon, 2018)
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figure 3 Ordinance Survey map at 1:50,000 scale showing German aerial reconnaissance which has anti-tank ditch line marked in purple along the river, with pillboxes marked by black triangles.5 (Council for British Archaeology, 2009, p. 2)
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ordinance survey
6(Council for British Archaeology, 2009, p. 2)
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Local to Waverley Abbey, there are several defense works which has shown to be important examples of their defense types. The anti-tank gun emplacement is unusual to the normal design to its rear courtyard featuring loopholes, making it unique. It is also unique because it survives in excellent condition with its castellations and “1940� date detail. Nearby the anti-tank gun emplacement, are a rare examples of anti-tank pimples, known as the dragon’s teeth. Nearby the anti-tank gun emplacement, are a type 24 and type 26 pillbox which are both along the Waverley Abbey river loop. Also nearby, are two type 24s pillboxes and another type 28 anti-tank gun emplacement. A pillbox walk has been established due to the surviving conditions and locality of the defense works of particular importance.
figure 4 Sketch of Brick and Concrete Joints Located at Large Emrasure at Front
brick & concrete joint Type 28 detail for concrete casing by bricks detail on concrete showing wood texture from construction
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annotated sketches
original 1940 date
figure 5 Sketch of Loophole Facing North Taken from Interior of Courtyard Original “1940� made from metal
loophole facing towards north lbrick & cement materials
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annotated sketches
(E) Tree
figure 6 Sketch of Courtyard Wall Facing Southeast Surviving Castellations for Camouflage Tree which Emplacement was built around
detail on concrete showing wood texture from construction
brick decay along the facade
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annotated sketches
figure 7 Diagram showing Defenses within vicinity of Waverley Abbey including pillboxes and anti-tank barriers
Anti-Tank Gun Pillbox Waverley Mill Bridge
Pillbox FW3/22 Waverley Mill Bridge
Waverley Abbey Anti-tank Gun Emplacement Waverley Abbey Tank Barrier
Waverley Abbey Tank Bar-
Pillbox FW3/25 Tilford
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annotated diagram
(e) tree barn
castellations
castellations
figure 8 View facing Southeast from carpark showing Castellations and existing barn to the east of the emplacement
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annotated photos
overgrowth
loophole
overgrowth courtyard figure 9 View facing East from Interior of Courtyard Showing Overgrowth of plants Showing Loophole
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annotated photos
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photographic survey
2
figure 10 view from northwest
figure 11 view from west
figure 12 view within courtyard facing north
figure 13 view entering courtyard facing south
figure 14 view facing southwest from car park
figure 15 view facing south of top of emplacement
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external photographs
figure 16 - inside of emplacement facing north (collage)
figure 17- facing south towards emplacement
figure 9 - reminants of anti-tank gun on floor
figure 10 - entrance facing north from interior of emplaceent
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internal photographs
figure 18 (above) - anti-gun emplacement opening showing concrete and brick detail figure 19 (right) - anti-gun emplacement opening facing south towards waverly abbey
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internal photographs
figure 206 2001 Field Survey Loopholed Wall for LMG Fire and rifle Brick and Mortar Castellations to break of wall to camouflage
(Council for British Archaeology, 2009, p. 6)
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figure 217 2001 field survey Origianl “1940� detail on one of the loopholes
(Council for British Archaeology, 2009, p. 6)
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historic photographs
figure 228 Aerial photograph showing the River Wey’s winding course and wooded countryside in December 1948. At the center of the photograph is the Waverley Abbey House Lake, with the Waverley Abbey ruins to the south. The anti-ditch which is filled in, can be seen crossing within the loops of the river through the open field and parallel to the river in the north. figure 239 Farnham Area showing a section of the anti-tank ditch Taken on July 24th, 1940 (Council for British Archaeology, 2009, p. 3) (Council for British Archaeology, 2009, p. 4)
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historic photographs
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building survey process
3
Step 1 - Travel Arrangements - - -
Arrange transportation via train from Oxford Station to Guildford Station (approx. 1 hour - 1 hour 15 min.) Take the 46 Bus from Guildford to Waverly Abbey (approx. 1 hour) Arrive at Waverly Abbey Car Park
Step 2 - Measurement Survey - Using a blank sheet of A4 paper or sketchbook, use pencil/eraser to begin taking a brief sketches of the building - Using a sketched plan, begin using the tape measure or laser to measure the space - Continue measuring building height and wall thickness where applicable - Draw detailed plan/sections/elevations of the loophole openings
Step 3 - Photographic Survey - After measuring the building, put away all measurement tools and take out camera/iPhone - Begin taking pictures from accessible exterior perspectives - Take photos of loopholes, detailed joints, and interior spaces - If time remains, take photographs of surrounding structures on the property (Pillbox/Waverly Abbey) Step 4 - Travel Arrangements - -
Wait outside Waverly Abbey Car Park for the 46 Bus to Guildford (approx. 1 hour) Arrive at Guildford Station at take the return train to Oxford Station (approx. 1 hour - 1 hour 15 min.)
*After survey, proceed to begin drafting drawings to scale & drawing sketches for project*
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method & process
figure 24 Silverline 282559 Measure Mate Tape Measure 10m x 25mm
figure 25 Foneso F100 Laser Measure
figure 26 A4 Sketchbook
figure 27 Lead Pencil
figure 28 iPhone/Camera
figure 29 Eraser
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materials list
RISK LIKELIHOOD 0 10
- Plant Overgrowth Around Structure (unknown if poisonous or not) - Falling from getting measurements - Barbed Wire along one unaccessible facade HEALTH & SAFETY: - - - - - - - -
The building is publicly accessible via car park. There is no issues with accessing the site (left open by Historic England), the building’s condition, or personal protection while completing this survey alone. Measuring the Castellations will require some climbing of structure. Precaution should be taken to avoid falling or injuring oneself. Do not rush when measuring to avoid mistakes or wrong dimensions. While taking measurements, take precautions to avoid spiders & plants. Take breaks when neccesary. Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn for weather conditions. Carry a mobile phone in case of an emergency. Be mindful that other visitors will be within the vicinity who will be visiting the site.
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RISK ASSESMENT:
health & safety
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4
building survey
Oxford Brookes University P7803 Building Analysis and Recording May 06, 2018 Waverly Abbey Anti-Tank Gun Emplacement Waverley Ln Farnham GU9 0JA, UK
PLANS
ISSUANCES
REVISIONS
NO DATE
BY
DRAWN BY: N.K. CHECKED: DATE: 05/05/2018 SCALE: 1/8” = 1’-0” JOB NO.
REMARKS
A1
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N
May 06, 2018 Waverly Abbey Anti-Tank Gun Emplacement Waverley Ln Farnham GU9 0JA, UK
SOUTHWEST ELEVATION
1/4” = 1’ - 0”
ELEVATION #1 SOUTHWEST SECTION A SECTION B
ISSUANCES
REVISIONS
NO DATE
SECTIONS A & B
BY
REMARKS
1/4” = 1’ - 0”
DRAWN BY: N.K. CHECKED: DATE: 05/05/2018 SCALE: 1/4” = 1’-0” JOB NO.
A2
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Oxford Brookes University P7803 Building Analysis and Recording
Oxford Brookes University P7803 Building Analysis and Recording May 06, 2018 Waverly Abbey Anti-Tank Gun Emplacement Waverley Ln Farnham GU9 0JA, UK
LOOPHOLE #1 PLAN
W1 DETAIL - LOOPHOLE
1/2” = 1’ - 0”
ELEVATION PLAN SECTION
ISSUANCES
REVISIONS
SOUTH ELEVATION
1/2” = 1’ - 0”
NO DATE
LOOPHOLE #1 SECTION
1/2” = 1’ - 0”
BY
DRAWN BY: N.K. CHECKED: DATE: 05/05/2018 SCALE: 1/2” = 1’-0” JOB NO.
REMARKS
A3
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N
May 06, 2018 Waverly Abbey Anti-Tank Gun Emplacement Waverley Ln Farnham GU9 0JA, UK
W2 DETAIL - LOOPHOLE ELEVATION PLAN SECTION
EAST ELEVATION
1/2” = 1’ - 0”
N
ISSUANCES
REVISIONS
NO DATE
LOOPHOLE #2 PLAN
BY
REMARKS
1/2” = 1’ - 0” LOOPHOLE #2 SECTION
1/2” = 1’ - 0”
DRAWN BY: N.K. CHECKED: DATE: 05/05/2018 SCALE: 1/2” = 1’-0” JOB NO.
A4
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Oxford Brookes University P7803 Building Analysis and Recording
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appendix
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bibliography
Anon, Surrey’s Pillboxes. Exploring Surrey’s Past. Available at: http://www.exploringsurreyspast.org.uk/surrey_pillboxes/ [Accessed May 7, 2018]. Befestigungskarte Grossbritannien: 1:50,000 (Sheet 124), 1.6.1941 - BLML 1305(13). ‘Bordon and Longmoor Sub-Area Defence Scheme No.3’, June 1941 (from Bordon and Longmoor Sub-Area War Diary) - TNA: PRO WO 166/1264. Bordon Sub-Area War Diary, 1942 - TNA: PRO WO 166/6722. Colin Alexander, Ironside’s Line (Historic Military Press, 1999). Council for British Archeology (2002). Defence of Britain Archive. Available at: http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/view/ dob/ai_full_r.cfm?refno=7207 [Accessed May 7, 2018]. Council for British Archaeology (2009). Report on Waverley Abbey (Defence Area 13). Defence Areas: a national study of Second World War anti-invasion landscapes in England. English Heritage. ‘List of Defence Works Remaining in South West Surrey’, 1960 - Surrey Record Office CC 204/3. ‘Operation Instruction No.2’, 20.6.1940; and map, 4.11.1940, issued with ‘Aldershot Command Defence Scheme’ (from Aldershot Command ‘G’ War Diary) - TNA: PRO WO 166/151. ‘Waverley Abbey: Works’, 1934-1953 - TNA: PRO WORK 14/1376.
Photographs Natalie Kester. Waverly Abbey Pillbox Photographs. 2018. Digital JPEG Photograph.
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Anon, Pillbox Type 28. Exploring Surrey’s Past. Available at: http://www.exploringsurreyspast.org.uk/themes/subjects/military/pillbox_landscape_features2/pillbox_type_28/ [Accessed May 7, 2018].