WWII Pillbox Ampthill Traditional Cache
Hanoosh: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.
Regards
Brenda
Hanoosh - Volunteer UK Reviewer www.geocaching.com
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Size: 
(small)
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Most people are aware of the pill box in the field at the top of Hazelwood Lane Hill on the Bedford Road. As this is a very solid construction and off the actual highway it has been allowed to remain, the only obvious damage since it was built caused by frost action. It was built to the specifications issued by Branch FW3 of the War Office Directorate of Fortifications and Works in June 1940, and was known as a type 22, the most common standard pillbox. It is hexagonal in shape with walls 7ft 6ins long (2.30m). A firing loop or embrasure on each of the five plain walls cover a wide arc of fire, while a small loop on the western face covers the entrance. The size of the openings suggest they were designed for rifle or light machine gun use. The door is in the western wall facing into the hillside, the least vulnerable in the event of attack. Inside, a "Y" shaped wall with the top of the "Y" facing the door was built to protect the troops from ricocheting bullets which may have entered the pill box. The remains of shelves under the loops, or at least the stain shadows of where they had been, can still be seen on the inside walls. As a local innovation, the structure walls were built with bricks as opposed to the all concrete construction specified by the War Office. The top, was made of reinforced concrete; cast in position using an up-stand of bricks to form the outside, and "shuttered" underneath with planks. Impressions of the wood grain can be seen in the concrete. The position of the pillbox, in relation to the road is curious, for although it commanded the road from Bedford, the fire power was very limited. A potential enemy would have to be within a very short range before they came into view. It is set just below the ridge on the dip slope, or the town side of the hill, allowing no view into the valley.you can't see the pillbox from the cache location itself, but you can as you pull in to park or you can go for a little stroll. The road is very busy - so please be careful.
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