Information board Observation post Kempisch Legion

In the Grothoutenhout forest or also called the Gierlebos is a reconstruction of a former lookout post of the Kempisch Legioen. An information board tells the story of this location.

Text info board:

During the Second World War, members of the resistance organization, the "Kempisch Legion", were kept in and around the Grotenhout forest (then called "Gierle Bosch"). The resistance group's mission was to collect data on the transport of weapons and the movements of the German troops, and to help those in hiding and downed crew members of Allied aircraft. The Kempisch Legioen was founded in 1942 and operated in the Kempen. Most of the resistance fighters active in this area came from the surrounding villages.

This remarkable tree was one of the largest specimens at the time and served as a lookout post. A platform was constructed at the top with planks and a pulley attached to it. The pulley served to pull up all kinds of material. From here one could spy on the wide area and even the Turnhout barracks where the German army was present at the time. In case of disaster, the resistance fighters in the forest could be notified.
All kinds of signs were carved into the thick tree. From who or what, it is still the secret of this tree.

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Source

• Text: Jhonny Bastiaensen
• Photos: Jhonny Bastiaensen