The Pillbox Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Antheia: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.

Please avoid geolitter by removing any remaining traces of your cache or contact a local cacher to do so for you. If you are having difficulty doing so then please contact me via my profile and I will try to get someone to assist. This is particularly important if your cache appears to contain Travelbugs or Geocoins.

If you wish to email me please send your email via my profile (click on my name) and quote the cache name and number.

Antheia
Volunteer UK Reviewer - geocaching.com
UK Geocaching Information & Resources site http://www.follow-the-arrow.co.uk

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Hidden : 1/12/2007
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

The cache is a “cache and dash” located at the junction of Woodborough Lane (B684) and Nottingham Road (Bank Hill) near to the village of Woodborough.

In the field opposite the cache there are two interesting features left over from the Second World War. The first is a type 22 pillbox and the second is a Spigot mortar emplacement (sorry you can only look as the field is private).

The pillbox

In May of 1940, the Directorate of Fortifications and Works (FW3) was set up at the War Office under the direction of Major-General G. B. O. Taylor. Its purpose was to provide a number of basic pillbox designs which could be constructed by soldiers and local labour at appropriate defensive locations. In the following June and July, FW3 issued 6 basic designs for rifle and light machine guns, designated Type 22 to Type 27.
The basic designs were adapted to local circumstances and available building materials such that, outwardly, two pillboxes of the same basic design could look quite different. The height of a pillbox could vary significantly according to local needs: some were half buried so that the embrasures might be as low as ground level, others were raised up to give a better view.

The degree of protection offered by a pillbox varied considerably: the thickness of the walls and roof generally varied from just 12 inches (30 cm) to 3.5 feet (1 metre) or more although the commercially produced designs were often much thinner.

The Spigot Mortar
The unit consisted of a thin metal "barrel" (just sufficient to contain the propelling blast away from the operator) with the spigot in the centre. The round was loaded by sliding it on, over the spigot. A spring pushed against a 12 pound (5 kg) steel canister and rod that rode up the inside of the spigot and impacted with the rear of the round, igniting a small propulsion charge. The primary use of the heavy bolt and rod was to damp out the recoil of the round. The recoil also acted to reset the spring, meaning that the weapon only had to be cocked for firing once, by pulling up on the tube while standing on a handle mounted at the rear.
Aiming was done by turning the Bombard in the direction of the enemy then tilting back the barrel until a pointer lined up with the appropriate range marked on the gunners shield.

Please note the pillbox is in the field across the B684(minor road), it is hidden behind a hedge.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Vg'f ehqr gb cbvag!

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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