Around 28,000 pillboxes - squat concrete bunkers - were constructed along the UK’s east coast during the Second World War in preparation for a potential invasion by Hitler’s forces following the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk in May, 1940.
The concept is said to have been based on a design used by the German army on the Western Front in the 1914-18 conflict. Although many have since disappeared because of coastal erosion, over 6,000 still survive and several of these remain above the chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head. After Dunkirk, the War Office’s Directorate of Fortifications and Works had devised what was known as the Coastal Crust defence plan, led by General Edmund Ironside, Commander in Chief of Home Forces.
Some of the pillboxes sited at Flamborough were known as “lozenges” and were hexagonal in shape. Others were round or square. The design was compared to pre-war containers to store medical pills, hence the term “pillbox”. Each could accommodate a permanent watch of up to eight soldiers, although it is thought likely that Flamborough’s were occupied by Bren light machine gun teams numbering three.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Investigation launched after Second World War plane propeller is found wrapped in potato sacks in a...A propeller thought to be from a World War II plane has been found at Coire a'Bhradain on the isle of Arran off the west coast of Scotland by a contractor.
Read more »
Investigation launched after Second World War plane propeller is found wrapped in potato sacks in a...A propeller thought to be from a World War II plane has been found at Coire a'Bhradain on the isle of Arran off the west coast of Scotland by a contractor.
Read more »
Intrigue over 'Second World War' plane propeller blade found wrapped up in potato sacksA contractor was initially says he was worried he had discovered human remains. The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has now launched a probe to identify the blade's origin.
Read more »
Second World War veteran has celebrated 100th birthdayA 'remarkable' Second World War veteran has celebrated his 100th birthday.
Read more »
World War 3 fears grow as two more countries may edge closer to war in EuropeSerbian President Aleksandar Vucic caused alarm bells when he posted on social media his response to an unspecified threat.
Read more »
RAF veteran Derrick Grubb celebrates 100 years of his ‘good life’The retired squadron leader survived being shot down during the Second World War.
Read more »