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Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan



Photo-a-Day Archive
Photo-a-Day Archive

Photo-a-Day  (Wednesday, 1st May, 2019)

For the defence of Wigan


For the defence of Wigan
A farm outbuilding on the banks of the River Douglas at Newburgh, fortified as part of the WW2 defences against a paratroop invasion on the Lancashire Plain. Known as Stop Line No.14, it was based on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal between Lydia and Parbold. There are numerous purpose-built pillboxes and fortified farm buildings etc. at strategic points, mainly bridges, along the length. This one is the nearest to Wigan, and probably came under the Home Defence forces based in Wigan. It faces East, overlooking the Douglas where it goes under the canal west of Parbold - perhaps perceived as a weak point to be watched. The building was, until recently, hidden from view by a high hedge and a thick covering of ivy. As far as I know this particular feature of the Stop Line has been unreported until now.

Photo: David Long  (Sony SLT-A65V)
Views: 2,783

Comment by: Dostaf on 1st May 2019 at 00:28

Well spotted, Rev.


More examples here http://www.towpathtreks.co.uk/LLC/canal_war.html

Comment by: Philip G. on 1st May 2019 at 06:16

An interesting and manageable supporting text David. And the 'ring' of Stop Line No. 14, alone, would have been sufficient to lessen the invader's strut.

Comment by: Mick on 1st May 2019 at 06:21

Very interesting Rev, Ive see a few pill boxes along that stretch of the canal, and theres one at the back of the Heaton bridge pub that as an upstairs.

Comment by: Mick on 1st May 2019 at 06:36

Ill keep a look out for them on my next canal bank ride, some more information on them here

http://www.lancashireatwar.co.uk/leeds-liverpool-canal/4586769518

Comment by: Gary on 1st May 2019 at 10:21

Fascinating.
I can recall my Grandad mentioning an anti aircraft gun and two searchlights east of Hindley North station, near the slag heap by the, then, four track line.

Comment by: Axcroft on 1st May 2019 at 18:50

Great photo and narrative David. Thanks Mick and Dostaf for those links. Prompted me to read up on WW2 artefacts and structures that are right here on our doorstep.

Comment by: Steve on 1st May 2019 at 22:00

I remember an anti aircraft searchlight base along wigan rd Golborne during WW2.

Comment by: Mick on 2nd May 2019 at 01:37

There used to be a pill box next to Martland mill canal bridge

Comment by: Steve on 2nd May 2019 at 16:17

There was also a pill box [gun emplacement] alongside the canal bridge at Bamfurlong must have been strategic points although I cant think why !

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