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"Pillboxes" were military bunkers built during World War II in 1940 and into 1941. They were built in strategic places near Rivers, Railways and road junctions, creating a network of defences across Great Britain. 28,000 pill boxes were built, and about a fifth still survive. The construction was typically in concrete, sometimes with bricks externally which was used as shuttering during the construction. They came in different shapes and sizes; most common in hexagonal and octagonal shapes.

The largest number of pill boxes are found in the South-East of England closest to the threat of German invaders.

Pillbox study group Link

Defence of Britain Archive Link


Keywords: Pillbox, Pill Box, WWII

In 1940 a network of defences was hastily built all over Britain to prevent an expected German invasion. The most common of these defences were called “pillboxes”, squat concrete forts that were sited at road junctions, canals and other strategic points.

With the passage of time it is estimated that fewer than 6,000 of a total of 28,000 pillboxes built still survive. They remain as permanent monuments and a silent tribute to the courage and tenacity of the British people during the dark days of 1940 when Britain stood alone against Nazi Germany.

More detail see Link