Gunwalloe


OS Sheet 203: Land’s End

Fishing Cove, Gunwalloe is situated at the very southern end of Loe Bar, Mount’s Bay, Cornwall.

Access to the beach was protected by a concrete block constructed Anti-Tank wall.

 Anti Tank Wall

Anti-Tank Wall Grid Ref: SW 6541 – 2236

Anti-Tank Wall Grid Ref: SW 6541 – 2236

Located approximately 100 metres up the track is a small concrete block manufacturing works. It uses the sand from the beach to produce the blocks and undoubtedly the material for the wall construction came from here. Each of the blocks are laid on their sides to give maximum strength to the outer retaining walls. The outer walls then backfilled with a concrete mix to complete the overall defence wall.

Type 24 Pillbox

Approximately 300 metres south of the Anti-Tank Wall towards The Lizard a Type 24 Pillbox sits overlooking the headland. It is of concrete block construction with Loopholes protecting each direction of approach.

 

Type 24 Pillbox Grid Ref: SW 6540 – 2219

Type 24 Pillbox Grid Ref: SW 6540 – 2219

The main internal area is protected from the rear entrance by a ‘Blast Wall’. Inside a ‘V’ shaped reinforced concrete plinth helps to support the roof from the blast wall to the front elevation wall. This reduces available standing height!

 Type 24 Pillbox

This Type 24 Pillbox can be found midway between the Anti-Tank Wall and the Pillbox above. Again of concrete block construction. This structure is on private property and is being used by the owners as a storage shed.

Type 24 Pillbox.  Grid Ref: SW 6541 – 2229

Type 24 Pillbox.
Grid Ref: SW 6541 – 2229

By Graham G Matthews