Building record MAB26939 - BURN OF MUNDURNO

Remains of anti-tank blocks, one of which is inscribed.

Remains of anti-tank blocks, one of which is inscribed. A number of anti-tank blocks survive south of the Burn of Mundurno and south of a pillbox (NJ91SE0119). They were part of a network of anti-tank blocks set in lines linking pillboxes and other defences on the coast (NJ91SE0003). The original position of the anti-tank blocks has been altered greatly 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. The important role of the tank in World War Two combat led to the creation of specific defences. The main purpose of anti tank obstacles and obstructions was to slow a tank's progress. As the tank climbed the obstruction the vulnerable underside was exposed to anti-tank guns. Anti-tank blocks were made with a variety of materials including concrete, cast on site, and were built in various forms including flat-topped pyramids and cubes. Some were cast with metal joists protruding from their flat tops. These examples have large jagged rocks embedded in the concrete. This would have the effect of tearing the tracks of a tank that attempted to cross them. The builders have left some graffiti on the tops of these blocks, written when the concrete was still wet. Site visit in November 2022 as part of the SCAPE Coastal Zone Assessment Survey recorded that the blocks are tumbled but roughly in their original alignment. See also NJ91SE0117.

SCAPE, 2023, COASTAL ZONE ASSESSMENT SURVEY ABERDEENSHIRE AND CITY OF ABERDEEN: CULLEN TO MILTON NESS, ID 15193 (Bibliographic reference). SAB4866.

Record last edited

Jan 5 2024 12:43PM