A rare airfield defence relic of the Second World War has gone on display at Angle’s historic Chapel Bay Fort and Museum.

The Allan-Williams Turret, which has been expertly restored by Chapel Bay volunteer Sean Meaker, is one of only 36 believed to survive in the UK. Just 199 were manufactured between 1939 and 1940 and after the war many were salvaged for their metal.

The turret would have been set above ground over a steel and brick-lined pit and could be rotated through 360 degrees in a ground defence and anti-aircraft role.

Normally, two men would have garrisoned the turret, which was designed for a machine gun to be fired either through the front loophole, which was further protected by shutters, or through the circular opening in the roof. An anti-tank rifle could also be used for ground defence.

It was expected that four men could dig the position out and erect the turret ready for firing in two hours and remove it completely in 30 minutes

The £125 turrets were designed by A.H. Williams, in conjunction with Colonel V.T.R. Ford and Lieutenant Williamson. Williams was the Managing Director of the Rustproof Metal Windows Company, of Saltney, Chester, where the turrets were produced.

The company had been engaged in war work since 1939, mainly manufacturing ammunition boxes for the Admiralty using a patented galvanising process.

Only one other turret is believed to exist in Wales and that is at the war memorial in Builth Wells.

Chapel Bay Fort and Museum is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as Bank Holiday Mondays, from 10 am to 4 pm until the end of October.

Visitors can drive direct to the fort, thanks to the new road and car park. The fort has disabled access.

Visitors can contact the fort and museum by phone on 07437 568654; email [email protected]; visit the website at www.chapelbayfort.com or write to Chapel Bay Fort and Museum, Angle, Pembrokeshire, SA71 5BE.

Chapel Bay Fort is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.

It was set up in 1995 with the long-term aim of opening the fort as an interpretation centre for the military history of Milford Haven and its environs.