Pillbox location

[Kev627]

Were all pillboxes during WW2 located close to military sites?
I ask because I drive all over the south of the country and sometimes pass pillboxes in the middle of nowhere with no obvious reason for their location.
Sometimes when I check on Google Earth I might see an airfield or barracks nearby but sometimes there is no obvious reason for it to be there.

 

[thorfrun]

I think most were positioned near crossroads or obvious routes invading forces might take, no doubt some of the more experienced guys will put us right.

 

[krela]

No, most weren't near military structures. They were positioned in a number of defensive lines stretching across the country in various directions, and around entries to strategic towns and villages.

There's a wealth of information about this out there if you're really interested in it. Personally I'd recommend this book:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Defending-Britain-Twentieth-Century-Structures-Landscape/dp/075243134X/

almost certainly available from your local library. Or this basic information from wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Briti..._of_the_Second_World_War#Field_fortifications

 

[HughieD]

Rich is the forum pillbox expert but Krela is on the money here...

 

[krela]

Rich is the forum pillbox expert but Krela is on the money here...

Hahahaha, bless.

You haven't been around long enough to know what kinda stuff I used to post when I was getting out and about...

 

[HughieD]

Hahahaha, bless.

You haven't been around long enough to know what kinda stuff I used to post when I was getting out and about...

Lol...sorry Krela...didn't mean to play down/underestimate your Pillbox knowledge ;-)

 

[oldscrote]

Possibly one of the best WW2 defense sites online.This Google earth overlay is huge but comprehensive and is still being updated

Defence of Britain Database: Overview

 

[thorfrun]

just checked this out, its rather good isnt it

Possibly one of the best WW2 defense sites online.This Google earth overlay is huge but comprehensive and is still being updated

Defence of Britain Database: Overview