Title: |
A landscape study into the perceived effectiveness of the 'Stop Line Green' anti-invasion defence |
Series: |
Dr Philip R Rowe unpublished report series
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Downloads: |
drphilip1-206547_1.pdf (7 MB)
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Download
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Licence Type: |
ADS Terms of Use and Access
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DOI |
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Publication Type: |
Report (in Series)
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Abstract: |
Summer 1940 saw the construction of a countrywide anti-invasion network to repel the expected 'blitzkrieg', consisting of a series of defensive layers, starting with the Royal Navy and ending inland with Stop Lines. However, the following question 'Would the Stop Line linear defences have halted an invasion force? has never been addressed. With success or failure purely speculative and one that cannot be answered for certain as no invasion took place, conclusions drawn from documentary / archaeological evidence suggest the strategic positioning of the Stop Line Green around Bristol, would have had limited success in stopping an invasion force. Aerial photographic (AP), cartographic and GIS visual analysis demonstrate the defences were adequately camouflaged from aerial reconnaissance and ground forces, with pillboxes utilizing the Wellow Brook valley, suggesting good strategic use of topography. AP comparisons emphasize changes in land usage, with many hedge lines disappearing. These topographic features when reviewing defensive tactics were important in 1940, channelling enemy armour along predicted fortified routes, rather than across open fields. 3D cartographic evidence substantiates the notion that good use of the local landscape was made, providing concealment for strongpoints and protection from aerial / artillery bombardment. Using a raster based line-of-sight map (viewshed) of the given defences, visibility analysis demonstrates that the fields of view / fire afforded to the defences were good, verifying the notion of a strategic use of topographical features. Calculated distances between pillboxes and viewshed coverage support this, with crucial roads / river crossings within effective small arms range. |
Author: |
P R Rowe
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Publisher: |
Dr Philip R Rowe
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Other Person/Org: |
Historic England (OASIS Reviewer)
Bath and North East Somerset County Council (OASIS Reviewer)
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Year of Publication: |
2005
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Locations: |
Site: |
GHQ Line Green - Wellow to Freshford Section |
County: |
Somerset |
District: |
Bath and North East Somerset |
Parish: |
WELLOW |
Country: |
England |
Grid Reference: 374090, 158229 (Easting, Northing)
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Subjects / Periods: |
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Identifiers: |
OASIS Id: |
drphilip1-206547 |
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Source: |
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Relations: |
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Created Date: |
01 Feb 2018 |