The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

BLOCKHOUSE

A blockhouse is a defensible post, usually rectangular, constructed to give shelter and protection to its garrison, consisting of possibly thirty men.
Blockhouses were generally constructed from locally available materials, and provided with loop holes for all-round fire. They often had an upper story projecting over the lower, or so placed upon it as to have its sides make an angle with the sides of the lower story, thus enabling the defenders to fire downward, and in all directions.
Blockhouses were formerly much used in America and Germany and proved very useful during the South African wars.
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