WORLD WAR TWO PILLBOXES OF FORDINGBRIDGE (AN EXPLORATION & TOUR!)

A relaxed, light-hearted exploration and tour of what remains of a number of World War Two Pillboxes in and around the town of Fordingbridge in Hampshire.
Immediately after the evacuation of forces at Dunkirk in 1940, the authorities decided to build a static system of defensive lines in & around Britain that were designed to compartmentalise the country and delay any invaders (the Germans) long enough for mobile forces to counter attack. Over 50 of these lines were constructed across the country.
The River Avon between Ringwood & Salisbury became part of one of these "stop lines" - the aim being to deny East - West movement by the Germans. Both Salisbury & Fordingbridge were "fortified" and a number of crossing points over the River Avon were defended to varying degrees.
With the natural barrier of the River Avon and the A338 North / South trunk road passing through the town, Fordingbridge became an "Anti Tank Island".
The Defence of Britain Database actually lists over 30 individual elements of this "Anti Tank Island" which included 15 Pillboxes and 8 road blocks. Of those 15 Pillboxes, 4 were removed after the war but 11 are thought to still exist.
I thought it would be fun to try and see how many of those remaining Pillboxes I could find - hence this video! I finished off with a quick look at a couple of defense structures at the village of Breamore (about a mile North of Fordingbridge).
Although I did a bit of research for this video, I should point out that I am not a Historian or expert so if I have made any mistakes then please accept my apologies!

[@rachelt-s]

Superb work Dave. I didn't realize Fordingbridge had so many pill boxes! I grew up in nearby Ringwood so know the area very well. You did very well finding them. Many thanks for such an interesting and historically important video. 😊

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Rachel. It was fun doing the exploring!

[@Hampshireborn]

Nice one Dave, Born in Fordingbridge in '56. Good to see the old stomping grounds!

[@DaveFord]

Thank you. I imagine that some of these pillboxes would have made great places to explore as a youngster!

[@alcollins5179]

Most interesting tour around Fordingbridge. Thank for explaining the purpose of the Pillboxes.

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Al. :)

[@OurDaysOut]

Very interesting Dave. Thanks for sharing.

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Paul. :)

[@keithjoseph5671]

Amazing walking tour in fordingbridge

[@DaveFord]

Many thanks Keith. :)

[@muharremargis199]

tkanks for the information about historical boxes and the town.

[@DaveFord]

Thank you & indeed thanks for watching.

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Well done Dave. Excellent project. You located a fair number of them, some in good condition too. I guessed there would be some protecting the railway as well. Seeing that bridge over the old line, made me wonder how much of the trackbed can be walked to the south of Fordingbridge. It's a walk I would love to do this coming year.

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Lionel. I think that the bit of the railway track route from Fordingbridge to Alderholt goes over private land - but I am not 100% sure.

[@ralphfeay8857]

Thanks Dave that was really interesting we think there is a pill box at lepe or calshot we live not to far from there it’s a lovely place fording bridge

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Ralph. Both Lepe & Calshot are great areas to explore when looking for WW2 disused buildings for sure.

[@davidsteward9932]

excellent video,we should not forget our history,,,,,,a time when our country was together under threat.

[@DaveFord]

Thanks David. A poignant reminder indeed.

[@melissaphillips3088]

Such a interesting video Dave. Love the history of the pillbox. Thanks Dave👏🏻

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Melissa. :)

[@eldred1809]

Interesting walk and guided tour Dave, your research is obviously thorough. Does your knowledge of pillboxes etc come from a military background or just painstaking research? A hobby maybe? I missed the usual star of the walks today, look forward to seeing him in the next one. And, although you didn't show it, I bet your walk ended in a pint! 🍺

[@DaveFord]

Thank you. I don't have a military background - I was just intrigued to find out more about those defences. Yep, my sidekick will be back in the next video!

[@VisionAssoc]

Enjoyed that Dave. As a kid growing up in the 1970s it was always exciting to discover a pill box while out on a walk. I have to seen one for years that I can recall. There’s an interesting pill box / command post near Coventry airport on a livery yard I visited some while ago now. Thanks for the tour.

[@DaveFord]

Thank you. I remember when I was growing up in Sussex, using a Pillbox in some woods as a "den"!

[@paulineshave3880]

An interesting change from your usual videos. We have walked around Fordingbridge before - it is definitely worth another visit!

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Pauline. A slightly different video - it is surprising how much is still there that can be explored!

[@jeanblemings5352]

Another well researched video and I found it more interesting than I thought I might do! Fordingbridge looked a very interesting and scenic place.

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Jean. It was a little bit different to the usual videos on the channel!

[@richsmith6810]

I do lots of jobs in and around fordingbridge and never knew of these. Will have to keep my eyes open when I'm about in the future. Fantastic video

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Rich. I must admit that I had no idea there was so much hidden away!

[@richsmith6810]

@@DaveFord I live up the road in Downton and have found some of the local things you have found of great interest in the videos you have done. Great stuff

[@elbowfanpeteg]

Fantastic video. Thanks

[@DaveFord]

Thank you & indeed thanks for watching.

[@peterfrost5475]

That was a very interesting video Dave. I have noticed a few pill boxes and the occasional tank block but you have really done some good research. I like the idea that they are hard to find and they represent an important part of our history. Thank you Dave.

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Peter. There was so much to explore , all in a relatively small locality.

[@leerendell9403]

Good video thanks Dave

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Lee. :)

[@pinkmoon1972]

Really interesting and informative video 👍

[@DaveFord]

Thank you & indeed thanks for watching.

[@streetcat1510]

I fish a private area of the Thames near Abingdon and there are 2 pillbox’s 10ft from the bank.

[@gparry42]

Well done Dave, much enjoyed !

[@DaveFord]

Thanks Gareth and indeed thank you for watching.

[@nigelhicks1985]

Very interesting

[@DaveFord]

Thank you Nigel.