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Friday 12 Nov 2021

Railway workers create World War II memorial from rare roadside relics

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

Local people and railway workers in Liverpool have unveiled a World War II memorial made from forgotten anti-tank blocks known as ‘dragon's teeth’ which were uncovered during bridge maintenance work.

Network Rail staff found the concrete fortifications at Stalbridge Avenue during recent railway repairs to improve journeys for passengers between Mossley Hill and Edge Hill.

Hidden from view for decades behind overgrown trees and undergrowth, the wartime relics are now proudly on show beside a commemorative plaque to explain their historical significance.

The devices were used all across Europe - by both Allied and enemy troops - to stop invading tanks and light infantry in their tracks. They were also nicknamed 'Toblerlone lines' after the similar looking Swiss chocolate.

Instrumental in getting the lost defences the recognition they deserved were local historian Helen O'Gorman and life-long resident Brian Morris.

The 93-year-old lived in the same house with his parents for 23 years before moving to another address in the area.

Brian Morris, said: "The 'dragon's teeth' and the plaque are wonderful memorials to those days in 1940 when the whole nation was threatened with invasion. We are glad that these memorials will stay up for a long period so that people will remember at one time the city of Liverpool was in fear of being conquered."

Helen O'Gorman, resident and local historian, said: “We’re really thankful to Network Rail for making a feature out of these second world war relics so future generations can learn about what it was like around here during wartime. It’s also great that Brian has been able to share his memories and that this has all been done in time for Remembrance Sunday this weekend.”

The 'dragon's teeth' concrete blocks were laid in June 1940 as part of the Mersey Garrison Defence.

At Stalbridge Avenue the 'dragon's teeth' would have also blocked the road, transforming the railway embankment into a considerable obstacle against tanks or other vehicles that might attack the vital port of Liverpool.

Richard Yost, Network Rail maintenance team leader, said: “From time to time we do find interesting objects when maintaining and improving the railway for passengers and freight, but this is the first time I’ve come across anything like this before.

“It’s great that we’ve been able to work with the local community to uncover this hidden history so future generations can understand just how important these wartime relics were in protecting Britain from being invaded.”

The work to strengthen and repair the railway bridges took place in 2020 and cost £120,000 as part of a Great North Rail Project investment.

To read more about how Network Rail looks after heritage structures, visit: www.networkrail.co.uk/who-we-are/our-history/working-with-railway-heritage/