Armageddon's Walls, British Pill Boxes 1914-18 by Peter Oldham: NEW 2014 1st Edition HB

Author: Peter Oldham

Publisher: Pen & Sword

Year published: 2014

Pagination: 286pp, numerous b/w photos, plans, maps

Condition: New in d/w

Expect an item that is new and has been in stock for some time, is undamaged, with minimal wear perhaps some slight spotting or foxing and minimal fading to the cover, see pictures. Fully returnable if unhappy with the condition.
PLEASE NOTE INDIVIDUAL CONDITION DETAILS IN THE FULL LISTING DESCRIPTION IF RELEVANT.

OLD NEW STOCK: Refers to an item which, for whatever reasons, has not been offered for sale from the date of publication to the date of this listing. It is NEW but old stock and should be in New condition. Any deviation from the new condition will be detailed separately.

The British Army and her commonwealth Allies went to war in 1914 with little knowledge and experience of constructing permanent, protective structures. Some masonry fortifications, such as defensive blockhouses in South Africa, had been built but the Royal Engineers of the Army were more versed in simple temporary defences. Home defences were a limited number of forts around naval ports, and Martello Towers. It was considered that the Navy was quite able to defend Britain's coasts. The Germans, on the other hand, as with the other continental countries such as France, Belgium, Italy, Holland, Poland, Austria, etc. had been constantly renewing and updating border forts for several centuries. They had also maintained fortification and siege elements of their armies, who were experienced in designing and constructing strong shelters. Both German and French armies began the war with a degree of expertise in what was to become a static war with little movement. However, by 1918 the British were to surpass both enemy and her allies in the design and construction, with supply and logistics, of such shell proof cover for troops and defensive positions. This book gives the history of development and innovation of concrete bunkers, pill boxes, blockhouses and general concrete constructions during the First World War. Many of these structures – some showing obvious signs of war damage - still exist in France and Belgium today. All the existing structures, are shown within. Many entries have contemporary maps showing how they fitted into a defensive system, whilst for others the location can be identified from the text.