Pickett-Hamilton Fort at Airlift Hill memorial to RAF & USAF history, at Lingley Green, Whittle Hall, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK, WA5 3LQ
A Pickett-Hamilton fort is a type of hardened field fortification built in Britain during the invasion crisis of 1940–1941. The Pickett-Hamilton fort was designed to be lowered into the ground while it was not in use, to become inconspicuous and not interfere with the passage of taxiing aircraft or other vehicles. The fort could be raised to about 2 feet 6 inches ( m) above ground level where it would be a physical impediment to aircraft and vehicles and from where a small crew could fire with rifles or light machine guns. Development By reason of its forming no obstacle to use of ground for flying or traffic, the post can be sited in places where not even a rifleman or small post can be put, and can bring fire on to ground which otherwise could not be covered at all or only at extreme ranges. – Pickett-Hamilton Fort Advisory Committee (1940) The open spaces of airfields were very vulnerable to attack by airborne troops and it was felt that it was particularly important to defend them effectively. However, conventional defences such as pillboxes and trenches could not be installed without danger to friendly aircraft. At this time a number of private companies contacted the government with their own design ideas. The Pickett-Hamilton fort was designed by Francis Norman Pickett and Donald St Aubyn Hamilton. Pickett (1887–1957) was an engineer. He graduated from London University in 1907, and from 1918 to 1931 he was Proprietor of the firm of F. N. Pickett et Fils, engaged on the demolition of ammunition. This business encountered many difficulties but Pickett made a great deal of money before the company eventually failed. Pickett spent much of the early '20s involved in motor racing. He subsequently became managing director of Kaycee, Ltd., in 1931–35, of Consolidated Rubber Manufacturers, Ltd., in 1935–38, and of Ocean Salts (Products), Ltd., in 1938. Hamilton (1907–1956) was an architect based in London. Later, as part of Donald Hamilton, Wakeford & Partners
Size: 3789px × 3426px
Location: Airlift Hill, Great Sankey, Warrington WA5 3TZ
Photo credit: © Tony Smith / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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