Pillbox on Franco-Belgian Border near Watou

My wife and I took a stroll out of the town of Watou towards the French border on a recent visit to the Ieper area. Just across the stream marking the border is a prominent pillbox close to a private war memorial chapel dedicated to the Paresus family. The pillbox looks Second World War era. Does anyone have any information about it or the chapel?

 

I've seen that bunker a few times and its one of a number in that area, all part of the pre-1939 border defences. I'm pretty sure it didn't see any action, although the area was on the route of British forces heading for Dunkirk in May 1940.

 

A continuation of the Maginot Line defences to the Atlantic. It does looks similiar to the Blockhouse at Peckel albeit smaller.

 

From what I can see, the blockhouse is an Service Technique du Génie (STG) Blockhouse constructed (but probably never completely outfitted) sometime between 1936 and early 1940 by French engineers assigned to the sector. These types of blockhouses were designed to be armed with machine guns and anti-tanks. They were typically arranged in a loose line behind the main defensive line. Very few of these saw combat action.

Regards, Marc

 

Hi Marc.

Just out of curiosity, were these the same design/construction as those built by the British during the 'Phoney' war in late 39/ early 40?

Regards
Andy

 

Thanks for the replies.