German Observation Bunker Nieuw-Haamstede

This bunker served for observation or logistic purposes. It is one of the many defensive works built by the Germans on the island of Schouwen-Duiveland. Schouwen-Duiveland had strategic importance for the Germans as it had some harbours and the airfield near Haamstede. A full-scale invasion was not expected, but surprise attacks by the Allies to demoralize German troops were considered likely.

Both the German land forces (Heer) as the naval forces (Kriegsmarine) built defensive works on Schouwen-Duiveland. The naval forces built coastal artillery batteries near Westenschouwen en Renesse. The land forces built several bunkers and other defensive works, known as Widerstandsnester and Stutzpunkte. This observation bunker is situated in the periphery of Stutzpunkt XXXXIII H and Widerstandsnester 304 H and 305 H, all built in the dunes nearby.

For more information about bunkers on Schouwen-Duiveland, read "De Atlantikwall op Schouwen-Duiveland, planning en realisatie 1940-1945", by P.C. Heijkoop and J. Rijpsma (in Dutch only).

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Source

• Text: Kees Boks
• Photos: Kees Boks