Monument record MRM 109 - World War II military structure, possibly a pillbox.

A structure, possibly a pillbox of Second World War date, can be seen inserted into an earthwork, possibly the remains of a Round Barrow of probable Bronze Age date, centred approximately on TM249446, Brightwell Heath, Brightwell parish. The earthwork is circa 15 metres in diameter and is still visible on aerial photographs of 1989. It is possible the earthwork was constructed specifically to house the pillbox but numerous archaeological features do appear to have been used in this manner (for example see BGL 008). Such defences were built within the perimeter of Martlesham Heath airbase to provide protection against potential invading forces. Defensive structures that were constructed within possible archaeological monuments have been transcribed. However, the extensive barbed wire obstructions, numerous slit trenches, pillboxes and related anti-invasion defences which extend throughout the airfield and surround such features have not (S1, S2).
Type 23 pillbox Martlesham Heath (S3).
The northern most group of defences on The Swale comprises a type 23 pillbox, a heated room and a Lewis gun pit. All thre structures were partially set below the existing ground surface and had the upcast spoil set around them as protection from blasts (S4).

2008: An assessment of aerial photgraphs identified military structures (S4)

Type 23 Pillbox Martlesham Heath (S5).