What Is a Military Pillbox?

Military pillboxes first appeared in WWI but gained popularity in World War II.

Military pillboxes are dug-in guard posts with small openings where guns could be fired off to defend the position. Their name derived from the shape of the building which is strikingly similar to the medicine pillboxes that were sold in the past. They were invaluable in past wars and helped troops defend their positions from enemy attack.

World War I

The military pillbox is thought to have made its debut during the First World War. It is thought that the pillboxes were first implemented in the Hindenburg Line since they were documented in September 1917 when the Germans retreated to this area. Because of their concrete construction, they were meant to establish a permanent position and delay an invasion for as long as possible.

World War II

Britain used military pillboxes much more liberally during the second World War. They were designed to protect the mainland against military invasion from the Germans in the 1940s. In Czechoslovakia, military pillboxes were established but remained unused since the German army met no resistance when they invaded, although some were utilized in the freeing of Russian military forces.

Camouflage

Pillboxes were often camouflaged to help maintain the element of surprise during a battle. They are very often the same color of their surroundings, and to a distant scout they may look as though they are part of the local scenery.

Uses

Military pillboxes served several functions. At times they were part of a interlocking system where a series of pillboxes are in close proximity to aid in one another's defense. Some stood alone and were part of a trench system, and others guarded important structures such as bridges and jetties.

Benefits

The benefits of military pillboxes were numerous. Firstly, they allowed for the delaying of an invasion rather than the prevention of one. This means that the defending army had a strong chance of limiting causalities and boosting supplies before the main attack progressed. Also, the windows in the military pillbox were designed for expert riflemen who could defend the position with great ease, slowing down the enemy's advance. Finally, the fact that they were constructed out of cement with small openings for rifle shooting meant that the soldiers who were stationed inside were well protected.

References

• Absolute Astronomy: Pillbox Facts