IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Catherine Crescent, SALISBURY, SP5 3NR

- Section Post: DoB ID: e35575 Just over the border into Wiltshire in a private garden is a very rare beast indeed, an 8 - 10 man infantry section post, so called as it could hold a section - the name for the smallest number of a tactical group of infantry. This is the sole survivor of the wartime defences that were present at Downton and its all important river crossing to the east. Downton was considered an obstacle to any expected attack from the south on the route north along the current A338 road. The section post would have been built primarily in anticipation of a flanking attack from the west by German armour, particularly as the open downland in front was considered to have been the most favourable to the enemy for this sort of manoeuvre. Google Earth View:- https://goo.gl/maps/fyA9nT4iN1m The section post was built in 1940, and is a large elongated chevron shaped structure consisting of a brick-lined trench with above ground elevations of brick and concrete, capped with a flat concrete roof. The elevations have 10 splayed loopholes covering the main arc of fire to the northwest and west, and a single splayed loophole at one end facing north with a 90 degree arc of fire. The loopholes are excessively large, and it's possible sandbags were placed in front on the outside in order to reduce their size, and also at the south wall given that it is thin, and without a firing point. This vulnerable southern flank of the section post was probably protected by troops in the gardens and woods behind. The west elevation (the front) is angled in two directions, consequently each face of five loopholes together would have provided arcs of fire of approximately 170 degrees. The section post is listed as Grade II by Historic England. Image

- Section Post: DoB ID: e35575 The entrance at the north east corner is steep, sloping down sharply to the interior, and protected by two external triangular concrete blast walls. Map evidence suggests that at the time of its construction the section post was built into the line of a hedgerow, in which case camouflage netting would also undoubtedly have been used to help merge it. Image

- Section Post: DoB ID: e35575 The small lean-to type shed is modern, and free standing, and is not part of the structure. Image

- Section Post: DoB ID: e35575 Facing the camera is the north elevation with its protected entrance in the northeast corner and single loophole. The roof is a single cast concrete slab almost 9ins (22cm) thick, sloping slightly to the front, and overhangs the west and north elevations by almost 4ins (10cm). Image

- Section Post: DoB ID: e35575 A view inside from the middle of the structure looking along the line of loopholes in the second bay towards the south wall. The purpose of the recess in the already thin wall at the south end is not clear. It may have been for storage, or given that the back wall of the recess is only one brick course thick, it may have served as a breakout point in the event that the main entrance became blocked. Image

- Section Post: DoB ID: e35575 The view south towards the centre of the structure from one of the loopholes in the first bay. A single transverse concrete beam gives additional roof support here at the angle of the two wings. The purpose of the protruding bricks in the east wall is unknown; there are six in the first bay and one in the second. They may have been for storage purposes to hang equipment on, or as supports for a shelf of some kind. Image

- Section Post: DoB ID: e35575 The view inside the first bay looking towards the loophole in the north wall, and the adjacent entrance doorway. The purpose of the protruding bricks in the east wall is unknown; there are six in the first bay and one in the second. They may have been for storage purposes to hang equipment on, or as supports for a shelf of some kind. With thanks to Mr David Wall for his help, and for permitting access. Sources: Historic England description: list entry no. 1422818 Section Post, Downton, Wiltshire: Record of a 1940 Defensive Structure (Walker 2008) ********** START:- Image