Product Description

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 large format photo book records some of what remains today. Click here to view The Full Colour Premium Edition. For further information visit The Pillboxesuk Website at www.pillboxesuk.co.uk

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #355967 in Books
• Published on: 2005-03-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Excerpted from Pillboxes - Images of an Unfought Battle by Ian Sanders. Copyright © 2005. 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.

Customer Reviews

Not a lot of box
Glossy cover but containing low grade black and white reproductions. You would be much better with Mike Osborn and William Foot.

Most of the pictures shown can be sourced from web sites/ other publications in colour.

All in all a disapointing read which was returned the next day

Interesting images but poor quality reproduction
I enjoyed the book, but I was disappointed too. My two main grips would be:
1) This is essentually a picture book. There is some text but mainly in the form of extended captions
2) As noted above the quality of the images inside is poor. Aside from the glossy cover, this book looks like it has been published on a photocopier. In fact some of the diagrams in the last section were so pixelated I longed to re-do them in Powerpoint...

All in all I'm not sorry I bought this book but I can't recommend it as a first book on the subject.

"What's a pillbox?" I hear you say.
"Pillboxes: Images of an Unfought Battle" is a collection of photographs, descriptions and information about the British anti-invasion defences that would have been used had the Luftwaffe beaten the RAF in the Battle of Britain and Hitler's Forces crossed the Channel and invaded Great Britain. Pillboxes formed an important part of Britain's defence strategy should the Invasion take place. They are a reminder of what 'might have been' had the tide of war turned against Britain.

The book is divided into several chapters The first divides Britain into areas and shows various pillboxes throughout the UK as they are now. The photographs are very clear and with each there is a description of the type of pillbox shown and an OS Map reference as to its location. Ian also gives an explaination of why the pillboxes were located where they were. There is a chapter to describe the different types of pillboxes built, including a plan view diagram for each one. The final chapters tell the story of "Operation Sealion" (Germany's invasion plans) and a brief history of the Home Guard. These were the volunteer soldiers who would have to man the pillboxes and defend the country. Finally, Ian has included a list of useful contacts to learn more about pillboxes and other anti-invasion defences.

This would be a very useful reference book for anybody who has an interest in the Second World War, especially related to the Home Guard, or has found a pillbox and wants to know why it was built.

"Pillboxes: Images of an Unfought Battle" is well thought out, informative and educational and is a worthy addition to anybody's refernce library.