Monument record SWD 025 - Stretch of World War II zig-zag trench surrounded by barbed wire obstruction

Aerial photographs from as early as 1940 (S1) show parts of a trench system on Southwold Common. Two distinct stretches of trench can be seen on these early photographs, but by 1941 (S2,S3), these sections have been joined up to form one long, sinuous trench system over 100m long. There are associated banks with the trench, created by the upcast from the digging of the features. Also visible from 1941 is a pillbox at the north-western end of the trench (at TM50547595). These features are surrounded by barbed wire from 1940, although the form of the enclosure changes somewhat over time, with it being reshaped by 1941. The features are still visible in 1943 (S4).