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This metal pin is another part of the extensive network on anti-landing measures around Greatham Creek.

It was the mounting point for a Spigot Mortar or Blacker Bombard which would have been able to fire a 20lb anti-tank explosive approximately 100 yards, presumably at any invading force on the nearby bridge.

The original bridge which has since been replaced, was itself mined to allow its total destruction

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After a little more research and some input from readers i’m now confident these are the remains of a QF decoy site called Greenabella. These sites lit controlled fires during air raids to appear as targets struck by bombs. This location was a civil decoy for Middlesbrough.

A reference in ‘Fields of Deception’ by Colin Dobinson idenifies a generator house and site shelter at this location.


Both have an offset entrance or a blast wall for protection

I think the larger structure with the holes for pipes and a chimney is likely to be the generator building, with the smaller structure the shelter.

Other decoy sites in the area also have unusual structures.

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This type 23 pillbox now stands at the edge of a trading estate between Cowpen Bewley and Haverton Hill.

Its positioning is a little mysterious as its well away from the road and old maps show nothing in the area but empty fields. Although there was much industry in the general area.

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The pillbox is located on some wasteland overlooking the river crossing.


Its a little grotty inside as I imagine its been a teenage drinking den for years.

Theres an interesting comment on the Picture Stockton website by Martin Jones who states :-
My Grandfather Oswald Bell used to help man the pillbox as part of the 19th Stockton Battalion Home Guard, they kept their ammo in one of the Vinegar Brewery room

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Another link in the Northern Command: 59 Div. Reserve Stop Line, the same as the example posted yesterday.


Another Type-23 pillbox with an entrance in the top, i’m no military tactician but the view it commands over the river crossing speaks for itself.

Inside is partially filled with soil that has fallen in from above, but its otherwise in good condition.

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Despite being only a few hundred meters from the edge of a huge housing estate, this pillbox that formed part of the Northern Command: 59 Div. Reserve Stop Line is in excellent vandal-free condition.


The pillbox is of a Type-23 design with an entrance in the roof and still has its pillar for mounting a light anti-aircraft defence: a Bren or Lewis gun.

The gun shelf is still intact inside

The Defence of Britain website gives the following detailed information :-

“From Malton N 59 Div. established a divisional reserve line. The position ran from Malton up to Hovingham, Oswaldkirk and Helmsley, where the planned line of defences was broken. The line resumed at Carlton in Cleveland, before continuing N to Hutton Rudby, then along the River Leven to its junction with the Tees. The Tees was followed as far Stockton, from where the line followed a railway route as far as the N divisional boundary.”