Pillbox Type 22 at Grid Ref SK61509 36099

Building This is a second world war Type 22 (FW3/22) pillbox of 1941 which forms part of the airfield defences of Tollerton Airfield. This pillbox is situated at OS grid reference SK 61509 36099 and is one of 18 pillboxes which survive around the periphery of the air field.

Materials and Exterior Constructed of red brick with concrete lintels and a flat concrete roof, this shell-proof pillbox is hexagonal in plan with embrasures facing eastwards on to the airfield. Each embrasure has a stepped brick surface which would have functioned as bullet stops. The pillbox is partly sunken with steps down to the southern entrance and has its own drainage facility.

Interior A concrete, anti-ricochet wall is central to the interior. Turnbull mounts, initially for Lewis machine guns, but later adapted for different gun types, are fitted within the embrasures. Semi-circular concrete shelves protrude into the interior from each embrasure and would have provided support for the weapons and ensured a wide arc of fire.