Aerospace Bristol unveils rare WWII pillbox to mark 85th anniversary of Filton Blitz

To mark 85 years since the devastating Filton Blitz, Aerospace Bristol is unveiling a refurbished wartime pillbox - a rare surviving landmark that commemorates Filton’s vital role in Britain’s war effort - opening for the first time in eighty years thanks to funding from Filton Town Council.

Image: Aerospace Bristol pillbox unveiling with Filton Town Council

Built in 1940-41 to defend Filton’s aircraft factories, pillboxes provided protection for soldiers and the Home Guard during wartime preparations.  

On 25 September 1940 at 11.47am, Filton was devastated when the Luftwaffe struck and in under a minute, more than 160 bombs fell, killing 149 people and injuring hundreds more.

Eighty-five years on, Aerospace Bristol is marking the anniversary by showcasing Filton’s wartime heritage, honouring the memory of those who lost their lives and reflecting on Filton’s enduring role in aerospace today. Anniversary activities include:

• 11.47am unveiling of the refurbished pillbox by Brian Mead, Deputy Mayor of Filton Town Council
• Free WWII spotlight talks by Aerospace Bristol experts
• Opportunities to take part in the Filton Blitz Experience - an immersive attraction that recreates the sights and sounds of an air raid, complete with sirens, bombers overhead and the voices of local people
• Free entry to the Filton Blitz Experience for Filton residents and Filton Voice readers

Image: Interior of the pillbox

Sally Cordwell, CEO of Aerospace Bristol, said: ‘This important anniversary is an opportunity to share untold local stories from the Second World War. By reopening the refurbished pillbox, we are bringing these stories to life while safeguarding our aviation heritage for future generations.’

Councillor Tom Mewies, Mayor of Filton Town Council, said: ‘We’re proud to support the refurbishment of the pillbox. By preserving it, we honour those who lost their lives in the Blitz and remember the vital role Filton and its people played in Britain’s wartime story.’

Aerospace Bristol is gathering wartime memories from Filton to share with future generations, and local people are invited to share their memories at aerospacebristol.org/wwii-memories. The project is funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and awarded by Museum Development South West with thanks to support from Arts Council England.