Analysis of the Causes of Destruction of Two British Pillboxes in Bachok, Kelantan

Abstract

The pillbox is a robust defence mechanism designed to protect a region or country from enemy attacks during a war. The British built several obvious pillboxes along the coast of Bachok, Kelantan in Malaya prior to the outbreak of the Second World War on December 7, 1941. In total, 9 pillboxes were built with a range of 0.99 km to 1.44 km. The purpose of this research is to determine the types of destruction of such pillboxes and their causes. This will provide archaeological documentation evidence for the historical event of World War II in Malaysia. The research methodologies applied were field surveys, participant observation, and area mapping. The results of field surveys showed that the pillboxes were destroyed by coastal erosion and human activities such as vandalism. The erosion has caused some of the structures to collapse. Local people also use the pillboxes as cages for farm animals such as goats and for dumping garbage. Moreover, there are cracks on parts of the pillbox walls. This paper focuses on two pillboxes at Kampung Ger and Kampung Kubang Kawah in Bachok. Documenting the preservation of these pillboxes serves as a source of reference for education and research, especially for future generations, as well as being a potential source of heritage tourism.