Can you picture a world where German tanks rolled through the streets of London? This was a very real fear during the Second World War. During the war, our nation was heavily fortified with pillboxes and other structures. Right here, we stand before a relic of that era: a WW2 Spigot Mortar emplacement.
This humble structure was designed to fire a type of mortar called the Blacker Bombard. This mortar was a unique weapon: it fired a large bomb but had no barrel. The bomb slid onto a steel rod, which ignited the propellant charge and sent the bomb flying towards its target.
Imagine the Home Guard, armed with these mortars, defending London against a possible German invasion. They would have been a formidable force, despite the primitive nature of their weapons.
These emplacements were often built in simple, brick-lined pits. The mortar would have been mounted on a sturdy pedestal, allowing for full 360-degree rotation. This allowed for greater flexibility in engaging targets.
The effectiveness of the Blacker Bombard was a subject of debate during the war. While it was effective against unarmored vehicles and personnel, it lacked sufficient power to penetrate heavier armor. It was a last-ditch weapon, designed for a desperate situation.
Although the German invasion never materialized, these emplacements stand as a testament to the preparedness of the British people during the war. This site serves as a reminder of the bravery and resilience of the Home Guard, who stood ready to defend their nation against any threat.