History Shorts: snippets of local history

Around 6000 pillboxes likely remain in the UK, from maybe 18000-28000 constructed as anti-invasion fixed defence measures during the early years of the Second World War 1 . Two of these, at Portna Lock and Kilrea in County Derry, are physical reminders of how the River Bann valley in Northern Ireland was fortified during the conflict. Invasion was a real fear at this point of the war, especially in the aftermath of the  rapid German advance through France and the British retreat from Dunkirk. Initially concrete and steel were at the heart of the anti-invasion defence in both Northern Ireland and the wider UK. The result in Northern Ireland was a network of fixed positions built to slow any invasion pushing inland from the north coast. The pillbox at Portna Lock outside Kilrea stands near the lock gates on the Lower Bann, positioned to cover a vital point on the river network between Coleraine and Lough Neagh. The structure is a solid concrete design, with a forward-facing firing sl...

November 2013 :  ITV Meridian News this week remembered the 70th anniversary of the eviction of villagers from Tyneham, Dorset by the War Office for use as a military training ground. (The surrounding Lulworth ranges area is still used for military training today). What was initially thought a temporary move during the remainder of the Second World War was made permanent by compulsory purchase order of the land in 1948. The buildings of Tyneham now lie dormant, mostly in ruins (some presumably damaged by military exercises!), although the church is now preserved and the striking telephone kiosk is a modern replica. Access is available during part of the year when military training is not taking place. The following pictures were taken in June 2010.

On the family history trail , a photo by bishib70 on Flickr. Last year I did a little research into my dad's family history and came across details of a great uncle of his who was killed in the First World War. In fact, he was killed in what must have been one of the very first skirmishes of the war, in France on 27 August 1914. My dad knew nothing of this ancestor, and was amazed to discover his family link to a name on the cenotaph in Bessbrook village.

Cold war signage , a photo by bishib70 on Flickr. A Cold War relic at the Needles on the Isle of Wight.