Building record MAB26916 - BALGOWNIE BEACH

Remains of World War II anti-tank blocks, part of a longer network of anti tank blocks along the coast (NJ91SE0003).

Remains of World War II anti-tank blocks, part of a longer network of anti tank blocks along the coast (NJ91SE0003). The original position of the anti tank blocks has been altered heavily by coastal erosion in recent years. Some no longer stand upright, but lie on their sides, exposing the concrete rafts that they were placed on for stability. On a few of the blocks, where the concrete has eroded an iron latticework has been exposed embedded in the concrete. Further erosion has exposed a large number of beach pebbles and stones used in the concrete mix. During World War Two defensive lines were created on vulnerable coasts. Networks consisted of concrete blocks set in lines over miles linking pillboxes and other defences. The purpose of the anti-tank blocks was to slow the progress of tanks. On the top of these blocks are large jagged rocks, embedded in the concrete, placed there to further damage the tanks. Should a tank try to negotiate through the line its vulnerable underside of the tank would be exposed to fire. Anti tank blocks were cast in a variety of forms, usually on site. The builders have left some graffiti on the tops of these blocks, written when the concrete was still wet. A number of anti-tank blocks survive in Aberdeen around Don mouth and further north, concentrated in vulnerable locations, such as stream or burn mouths, which might have provided easy access off the beach.

SCAPE, 2023, COASTAL ZONE ASSESSMENT SURVEY ABERDEENSHIRE AND CITY OF ABERDEEN: CULLEN TO MILTON NESS, ID 15086 (Bibliographic reference). SAB4866.

Record last edited

Jan 5 2024 12:29PM