Raf Speke And Pill Boxes,Liverpool,May 2011

Built in part of the grounds of Speke Hall, Speke Airport, as the airport was originally known, started scheduled flights in 1930
During World War II, the old Speke airport was taken over by the Royal Air Force and known as RAF Speke. Rootes built many bombers in a shadow factory here, including Bristol Blenheims and 1,070 Handley Page Halifaxes. Lockheed Aircraft Corporation assembled many types including Hudsons and Mustangs, shipped from the United States to Liverpool Docks.The airport was also home to the Merchant Ship Fighter Unit.
In 1946,the airport reverted back to civilian use and By the early 1970s it was deemed that it would soon be unsuitable for the increased demands of larger airliners and it was closed when the 'new' John Lennon airport was built
The original airport terminal buildings are now preserved as a Grade II listed art deco hotel,together with a small collection of older aircraft.
The original hangers are now in commercial use.
The old runway leading to JLA Airport was visible until the most of the land was used for large industrial units.

A few interesting old structures remind left and forgotten about.

First,this building was a shooting butt for the aircraft to test their guns and cannons It was filled with sand at the rear to absorb the shells and bullets aircraft would line up in front and fire into it.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6006.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6052.jpg
Bullet Marks on the wall
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6012.jpg
Inside is well overgrown.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6017.jpg
The rear of the building with the backplate
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6029.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6032.jpg
The 3 Access Hatches on either side and rear of the building.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6037.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6049.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6062.jpg
Further up on the edge of the woods is a long Pillbox
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6108.jpg
Entrance is visible to the back.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6065.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6100.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6095.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6079.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6083.jpg
Another Pillbox is further down again.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6112.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6117.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6131.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6130.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...1/DSCF6141.jpg
Old Plane outside the old Terminal Building now the Crown Plaza from my visit with Georgie.
http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/u...l/DSCF1110.jpg

Thanks for Looking

cool, iv never seen a pillbox like that long one.

Always good stuff kev :thumb

I think your long pillbox is a section post mate. Good report, thanks for posting.

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Originally Posted by Munchh

I think your long pillbox is a section post mate. Good report, thanks for posting.

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Thanks for that,im not sure the difference with them really.

To quote Mike Osborne on section posts in Pillboxes of Britain and Ireland:

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"Most of the examples in this section share a number of common characteristics; they are all generall orientated in no more than two directions, as opposed to having all-round filelds of fire; they tend to be linear features, longer and narrower than square or polygonal pillboxes; they tend to be designed to hold larger garrisons than many (but by no means all) [pillboxes]"

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Nice little cluster of defences at Speke, you'll find several more on DOB. The testing butts are something special. Thanks for sharing the photos. I thought you were going over-kill on the shots of metal doors, but looking at the brickwork and hasp detail these are three different doors aren't they? I'm trying to work out how they relate to the structure.

I wouldn't fancy being inside the section post in the event things started to get smelly.. looks like an infantry death trap.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SaltGeorge

To quote Mike Osborne on section posts in Pillboxes of Britain and Ireland:

Nice little cluster of defences at Speke, you'll find several more on DOB. The testing butts are something special. Thanks for sharing the photos. I thought you were going over-kill on the shots of metal doors, but looking at the brickwork and hasp detail these are three different doors aren't they? I'm trying to work out how they relate to the structure.

I wouldn't fancy being inside the section post in the event things started to get smelly.. looks like an infantry death trap.

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Yes, they are 3 different doors,one either side and one in the centre as you look from behind the structure.

Lovely looking place, one for me maybe?....Unless of course i get busted YET AGAIN? HAHA!

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Originally Posted by scottj

Lovely looking place, one for me maybe?....Unless of course i get busted YET AGAIN? HAHA!

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Cheers,ull be fine here

Looks a cool place !