In 1940 a network of defences was hastily built all over the British Isles to prevent an anticipated German invasion. Sited at road junctions, canals and other strategic points these constructions were called "pillboxes". Despite the passage of time many of these remain as permanent monuments and a silent tribute to the courage and tenacity of the British people in the dark days of 1940. This photo book records some of what remains today. Contents 1. Introduction. 2. The Images. · Southern England · London · East Anglia · Central England · North West England · Northern England 3. Pillbox Types. 4. Operation Sealion - The German Plans for Invasion. 5. The Home Guard 6. Useful Reference Sources
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The author has travelled throughout England and has produced this large format photo book that shows a wide range of the remaining anti-invasion defences from World War 2 in England.
The haunting and evocative images show how these defences have now become an integral part of the english landscape.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Nowadays, they are largely ignored and left to the elements and the vandals even though these structures should rank in British History alongside the Norman castles as reminders of what Winston Churchill called "Their Finest Hour".
If the Battle of Britain had turned out differently many might have died in one defending the freedoms which many take for granted.
They were built in a hurry as part of the measures to resist an expected German invasion of Britain in 1940. Made by local construction companies to many different designs, they were often further modified to suit a particular site.
These squat concrete fortifications were supported by further defences of barbed wire, trenches and other earthworks, however these defences are now largely without trace, leaving the pillbox as the sole reminder.
They were sited to cover road junctions, river crossings and other important places. It was also usual to site more than one so as to give each other covering fire. Many were disguised in some way or built into other buildings like barns and bridges or even houses.
If the Battle of Britain had turned out differently many might have died in one defending the freedoms which many take for granted.
They were built in a hurry as part of the measures to resist an expected German invasion of Britain in 1940. Made by local construction companies to many different designs, they were often further modified to suit a particular site.
These squat concrete fortifications were supported by further defences of barbed wire, trenches and other earthworks, however these defences are now largely without trace, leaving the pillbox as the sole reminder.
They were sited to cover road junctions, river crossings and other important places. It was also usual to site more than one so as to give each other covering fire. Many were disguised in some way or built into other buildings like barns and bridges or even houses.
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