Second World War defences in Surrey

This article (see pdf below) was written by Chris Shepheard, Surrey Defences Survey (SIHG), c/o Rural Life Centre, Reeds Road, Tilford, Farnham GU10 2DL and Alan Crocker, President SIHG, Surrey Archaeological Society, Castle Arch, Guildford GUI 3SX. Most relevant to the Thursley History Society are the references to the Atlantic Wall and the structure on Hankley Common.

The key events which have resulted, during thepast twentyyears, in historians and archaeologists recording and interpreting defensive and related military structures which were erected in Britain during the Second World War, are summarized. Locally, the Surrey Defences Survey played a significant role. Three aspects of the research carried out by volunteers working on this survey are discussed. Thefirst of these is the recording of pillboxes and anti-tank ditches, particularly those associated with the GHQLine which was constructed across the countyfrom Farnham, through Shalford, Dorking and Horley, to Lingfield. Then the defences of two towns, Dorking and Guildford, which were selected by the Home Defence Executive as nodal points, are considered. Finally a massive wall on Hankley Common near Farnham, which is a replica of a section of the German Atlantic Wall and was built to test assault equipment, is described. In 2001, English Heritage selected the defences near Waverley Abbey to receive thefirst in-depth survey of such structures to be carried out. The aim was to establish national criteriafor statutoryprotection of Second World Warfortifications. However,far more remains to be done and in many cases the need is urgent.

Here are three illustrations from the article:

aspects18.pdf

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