Machinegun Post (Pillbox) - New Plymouth 1942

Machinegun Post - World War II

Erected in early 1942 - one of several such posts around Port Taranaki of which this is the last remaining. It was manned by the 2nd Battalion of the Taranaki Regiment who were responsible for coastal defences from Waiwhakaiho to Ōmata.

Central machinegun post with 'wings'  for three or more riflemen on each side. This survivor is complete with port baffles (the metal plates around the loopholes). The pillboxes were sealed from the top in 1964 after concerns around safety. The wooden panels on the machinegun opening are to prevent blue penguins from entering and becoming trapped in the pillbox.

For more information see: 'Arrow-head' type - Cooke: Defending New Zealand (2000) Vol 2 p768-9

Related document:

Nervous eyes on the horizon, Graeme Duckett (Taranaki Daily News 20 June 2015)