The War Years around KenfigLocal Pill BoxesThroughout 1940 a network of defences were built across the United Kingdom to prevent an anticipated
German invasion. These defences called Pill Boxes were squat concrete forts sited at road junctions and other
strategic locations throughout the area.
Some local examples still remain within the Kenfig area and are outlined within this section.
A total of 28,000 Pill Boxes were built across the United Kingdom with 12 standard designs outlined
by the FW3 of the War Office Directorate of Fortifications & Works - local variations were made to these
designs as well as some which were purpose built.
Pill Box at A48 Pyle Roundabout - North Cornelly School Terrace
This Pill Box is situated just off the A48 at Pyle roundabout on the School Terrace road to
North Cornelly.
From it's advantage point at the top of the hill, a view over the coast looking towards
Swansea Bay can be made when looking in the direction of North Cornelly.
Pill Box at A48 Pyle at bottom of Stormy Down
This Pill Box is located in a field on a rise at the bottom of Stormy Down alongside the A48.
This Pill Box was built on 15th July 1940.
The date is etched into a concrete beam inside the structure 15-7-40 as outlined in the photo alongside.
ConstructionThe structure is built of brick with a corregated steel reinforced concrete roof. The entrance is situated at the rear of
the structure away from the main road - it has a very narrow entrance with a headroom height of approx. 5-6ft, to enter the main
chamber, a very small and narrow opening is located near the floor. (This is where the build inscription date can be located),
the main chamber is larger than the entrance of the structure with a higher headroom height.
Kenfig.org has visited this Pill Box and outlined below are some photos both inside and of the views of Pyle and
Kenfig Hill with Margam mountains in the distance that can been seen from the box's location.
Views of Pill Box
Views of surrounding area from the Pill BoxPhoto 1 - Cynffig Comprehensive School can clearly been seen when looking in the direction of Cefn Cribbwr from this Pill Box
Photo 2 - Village Farm Industrial Estate together with the top end of Kenfig Hill can clearly been seen from this Pill Box
Photo 3 - Pyle Life Centre, Kenfig Hill Fire Station and Margam mountains can clearly been seen from this Pill Box
Photos: Kenfig.org copyright© 2008 Rob Bowen. All rights reserved.
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