The strategy can best be explained by example. In our sketch the enemy infantry is shown approaching a bend in the road when it comes under fire from the Fort, Let us suppose that progress is halted. Thus far the strategy has worked. Now the enemy calls up a heavy gun to destroy the Strong Point. The Fort can neither oppose such a weapon nor sustain a direct hit. Swiftly, out of sight of the enemy, the garrison withdraws along the dotted line across the road and into the wooded area opposite. Having seen the Strong Point destroyed the enemy infantry now proceed, with less caution we may assume, when suddenly they come under fire from the other side of the road along the edge of the wood. Again the advance is halted! When the action gets too hot the defenders withdraw into the shelter of the trees and live to fight again. Such was the strategy.
Pillbox positioning
The surviving Pill Boxes are all located so as to oppose an enemy advancing from the coast – either by road or rail. Had enemy paratroops been employed, and had they advanced from the rear, then only the two apertures for riflemen on either side of the entrance could have been employed to fend off the attack – and escape would have been impossible. It would be an interesting exercise for enthusiasts to find the Pill Boxes which survive and access their likely usefulness. But do remember they all stand on private land. The reader is bound to have noticed that none of the foregoing represents a defence of the town itself. Contrary to general belief it was not part of the plan to fight for and defend every town and village. This idea was ridiculed as a Magenot Line complex. If there had been a landing along our coast there is little doubt that many rounds of precious ammunition would have been expended and much precious time. Time for Churchill’s heavily armed mobile columns, his ‘Leopards’, to close in for the ‘kill’. The plan was never tested. The ‘Battle of Britain’ was fought in the air, not on land and we can be thankful for that.
