A distinctive Second World War defensive structure in the countryside between Icklesham and Winchelsea, East Sussex. Constructed during Britain’s preparations against a possible German invasion, it formed part of the network of fortifications protecting the Sussex countryside and approaches inland from the coast. More than 80 years later, this unusual wartime structure remains a reminder of Britain’s invasion defences.

A surviving Second World War artillery observation post near Icklesham and Winchelsea, East Sussex. Unlike a conventional infantry pillbox, this structure was used to observe coastal targets and help direct fire from a powerful 9.2-inch howitzer positioned at Peasmarsh. The gun was intended to cover vulnerable stretches of coastline around Pett and towards Lydd. Documented in military records by 1941, the observation post illustrates how Britain’s coastal defences extended beyond the beaches, with heavy artillery positioned several miles inland.