Defence (20th century)
This week's Saturday Timewatch features a third in the series about defense constructions in Dorset over the millennia. The previous two concerned Iron Age and medieval defences.
This building is part of the large Upton Fort complex, originally constructed before WW1 but also used during WW2. I'm not sure of the exact date of this defensive outpost. Nor am I certain as to its purpose. Some say it is a searchlight battery but I don;t understand why there would be the concrete canopy at the front? That would surely obstruct beams for looking for enemy aircraft heading towards Portland Harbour in the distance? .
To me it has the look of an observation post, maybe with machine guns also available. However, I am very far from an expert on the subject so my thoughts are mere speculation.
Defence (20th century)
This week's Saturday Timewatch features a third in the series about defense constructions in Dorset over the millennia. The previous two concerned Iron Age and medieval defences.
This building is part of the large Upton Fort complex, originally constructed before WW1 but also used during WW2. I'm not sure of the exact date of this defensive outpost. Nor am I certain as to its purpose. Some say it is a searchlight battery but I don;t understand why there would be the concrete canopy at the front? That would surely obstruct beams for looking for enemy aircraft heading towards Portland Harbour in the distance? .
To me it has the look of an observation post, maybe with machine guns also available. However, I am very far from an expert on the subject so my thoughts are mere speculation.