[43], The lozenge pillbox is found only in the North East of England. Note simple square plan. The record set of GSGS mapping (dating back to 1881) has been transferred from the Ministry of Defence Map Library to the British Library Map Library. [11] Other designs were produced as commercial ventures. The open section was for a light anti-aircraft defence: a Bren or Lewis gun on a mounting. Embrasures were available precast and factory produced to standard designs, but as these were in short supply some embrasures were improvised from brick or concrete paving. . The approximate numbers of extant pillboxes of each type are given based on data from the Defence of Britain database, records from County HERs and submissions to the UK Pillbox Study Group. The most common of these defences were called “pillboxes”, squat concrete forts that were sited at … [16] It is easily confused with the common Type 24, which is an irregular hexagon, and the less common octagonal. Dunkirk evacuation (May 26–June 4, 1940), in World War II, the evacuation of about 198,000 soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) and 140,000 French and Belgian troops from the French seaport of Dunkirk to England. The purpose of the Project was to record the 20th century militarised landscape of the United Kingdom, and to inform the responsible heritage agencies at both local and national level with a view to the future preservation of surviving structures. Note rectangular plan with large embrasure and a separate rifle or light machine gun fighting compartment. However, only one battalion was sent to Malaya and £60,000 given for defence works, most of which was spent in Johore to the north of Singapore. It is sometimes referred to as a through-the-wall pillbox as they penetrate the present sea wall. This design is frequently found on or near beaches — ideal for providing enfilading fire. If you believe you have found a vulnerability on any MOD system, you can report it using the guidance and policy provided. Berkshire Record Office 9 Coley Avenue Reading RG1 6AF. They were popularly known as pillboxes, a reference to their shape. In addition to receiving compensation, farmers whose land was used to build the structures were paid after the war to fill in ditches and trenches and to demolish pillboxes. It is wider than the type 28 to allow for a side area for an infantry chamber, giving a forward-facing embrasure suitable for a rifle or light machine gun. [33], The type 26 is uncommon: 140 are recorded as extant, including the Stent prefabricated type. Access was provided by means of a hatch in the roof. These would not be expected to face heavy weapons so that the degree of protection was less and there was more emphasis on all-round visibility and sweeping fields of fire. Fort William . Buy Defence of the United Kingdom: History of the Second World War: United Kingdom Military Series: Official Campaign History by Collier, Basil, Butler, J.R. M. (ISBN: 9781845740559) from Amazon's Book Store. Pentagonal pillbox at Alton Barnes, one of five at this former airfield, Plan view of a pentagonal pillbox and its AA variant. [114] The project also resulted in the discovery of many relevant records. In May 1940, the directorate of Fortifications and Works (FW3) was set up at the War Office under the direction of Major-General G. B. O. Taylor. The Defence of Britain Project has identified 20,000 military sites across Britain linked to World War Two. [111] Interest was stimulated, both public and professional, and local surveys were carried out. [87], The turret had a garrison of two men or, if necessary three men, for whom there were folding seats inside. On the threatened east coast new defences were added, for example the 9-inch battery at Spurn Point, East Yorkshire - a site now being lost to coastal erosion. In 1939 , after war in Europe had broken out, the three service heads in Singapore sent a joint request to the Chiefs-of-Staff in London. In 1971 the defence functions of the Ministry of Aviation Supply were absorbed when the MoD took over responsibility for supplying military aircraft and guided weapons. It is almost square in plan, with the forward-facing corners chamfered. Second World War maps held elsewhere. [16], The Vickers machine gun pillbox is essentially square in plan with the forward-facing corners chamfered. Extant example of Norcon Pillbox at Moreton Ford, near. It's a size 8 and manufactured by H. Leaning & Co Ltd. It is octagonal in plan with walls between 9 ft 9 in and 11 ft 6 in (3.0–3.5 m). These are predominantly found at airfields. 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