Schuilplaats, Betonnen werken Maarsseveen - De Klop Maarssen (Stichtse Vecht 26)

English translation

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Description

Cluster 27. Splinter-proof shelter type 1916/I.

NEW HOLLANDIC WATERLINE

Introduction

SPLINTER-PROOF SHELTER TYPE 1916/I as part of linear and access defence based on trench systems, covered roads and the like. The shelter of type 1916/I within the complex Concrete Works Maarsseveen - De Klop is located on the Veenkade (extension of the Herenweg), slightly north of the intersection with the Maarsseveensevaart. Shelters type 1916/I and 1916/II were built according to a more or less uniform or standard design in 1916 and 1917 at multiple locations in the New Hollandic Waterline. Further examples exist, among others, at Fort Vuren and the Battery under Brakel. Such concrete shelters usually lay in the immediate vicinity of earth gun emplacements and trenches, on the gorge side of the cover. The closed front or front side of the shelters was covered by a gravel or rubble chest, or by earthworks that formed part of a dike, a glacis for the protection of the trench or a covered road. These rubble, gravel or earthworks are sometimes no longer present or only recognisable with difficulty, while the traces of the earth batteries have usually been largely erased. Type 1916/I (also called type 1917) proved to be very vulnerable in trials. The entrances were later usually sealed by means of brickwork or concrete, but in some cases they remain open or have been reopened. The specimen on the Veenkade, however, has been sawn through, completely stripped of the entrance and rotated a quarter turn, allowing it to be reused as two small animal shelters.

Description

The SPLINTER-PROOF SHELTER TYPE 1916/I is a single-storey, reinforced concrete military shelter designed to splinter-proof standards, which could provide protection for four infantry/artillery personnel. The shelters 1916/I were built on a rectangular ground plan of approximately 3.50 x 1.50 x 1.50 m (w x d x h). The shelters were built according to an approximately octagonal cylindrical model intended to promote deflection of shell fragments. The long facades, the roof and the outside of the floor therefore show a blunt angle along the full length. Both blind side facades are executed vertically.

The group shelters Type 1916/I were constructed - also as an experiment - as monolithic concrete works and were accessible via an entrance opening - central on the trench side or gorge side. These entrances, situated a few tens of centimetres above ground level, were surrounded by vertical, rectangular thickened concrete frames. The shelters could be closed by means of iron shutters, which are no longer present. The specimen on the Veenkade has been sawn through and stripped of the entrance.

Valuation

The SPLINTER-PROOF SHELTER TYPE 1916/I within the complex Concrete Works Maarsseveen - De Klop is of general importance because of:

* Cultural-historical values as part of the New Hollandic Waterline as designed by C.R.T. Kraijenhoff and initially implemented from 1815 by him, Jan Blanken and Major-Engineer Willem Offerhaus and subsequently strengthened and improved by others over approximately 125 years.

* Architectural-historical values in particular as an expression of military-strategic building, which is based on: a. the system of inundation and access defence (19th and 20th century), b. the race with increasingly powerful offensive means (19th and 20th century) c. the system of 'living' field fortification in depth (20th century)

This concerns a component from around 1916, namely an example of a splinter-proof, concrete shelter of type 1916/I, which also ranks as a concrete experiment.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the New Hollandic Waterline. Also because of the functional and physical coherence with the other components of the complex and in particular as a relic associated with a trench system.

* The component in its current condition is representative as a curiosity because the interior and construction are visible and it is moreover representative because it was added as a component of a deconcentrated defence line to the existing fortification system. It possesses rarity value as a relatively scarce and early example of a concrete shelter.

* The component is poorly preserved due to the sawing, but as a built component it can still be well recognised in the field.