Spigot Mortar Mount

Ludham Bridge crosses the River Ant and during WW2 it formed part of one of the 5 'stop lines' in Norfolk, based on river, canal and broads routes. All the road and rail bridges across the Ant were mined for demolition and quite heavily defended. Ludham Bridge was classed as a 'nodal point B', a designated strategic position usual at a choke point, expected to hold out out for 3 or 4 days after invasion.

The Spigot mount has been retained as a memorial feature but the surrounded area has been raised by several feet. It would have housed a Blacker Bombard (without the 4 legs) designed by Lt Col Blacker in 1940.

The Spigot mounting and two storey pillbox across the river are the only remains from defences that also included a demolition chamber, flame fougasses, pillboxes, infantry post, road block, barbed wire entanglements and Allan Williams Turret.

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Source

• Text: Sharky Ward
• Photos: Anthony (Sharky) Ward (1, 2, 3, 4), IWM Non Commercial Licence (5)