Bomvrij militair object, Gedekte Gemeenschapsweg met Inundatiekanaal

English translation

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Description

Cluster 58. Group Shelters type P.

NEW HOLLANDIC WATERLINE

Introduction

GROUP SHELTERS TYPE P as part of linear and access defence with trench systems, casemates and the like. (Concrete) group shelters formed a response to the arrival of heavy projectiles and explosive grenades with high-explosive charges. Depending on the weight of the grenade and the protection against it, a classification into resistance or protection classes came in 1928, consisting of two numbers, e.g. W 12-15. The first indicates that the cover is sufficient for impacts of projectiles up to that calibre (in cm); the second that protection also exists against one or at most a few impacts up to this higher calibre. The earliest types of (group) shelters offered only protection against grenade fragments and were called 'shrapnel-proof'. The Group Shelters Type P were built in 1939-1940 in multiple locations in the Netherlands according to more or less uniform or standard design. They occur in large numbers in particular on the Eastern Front of the so-called Fortress Holland (between the Zuiderzee and the Biesbosch) and along the Southern Front of Fortress Holland. For example, there are many in the area between Fort Rijnauwen and Fort Vechten on the Houtense Vlakte. The total number of built specimens is approximately 700, of which around 570 in the New Hollandic Waterline; the majority (approximately 400) of these still exist. The construction programme for Type P shelters was not completed at the outbreak of the Second World War and a number of specimens visibly remained unfinished. Type P (also called 'the pyramid' because of its distinctive shape) is the most well-known type of concrete defensive structure in the Netherlands. The type originated from the so-called VIS 77 (Regulation for Setting up Positions no. 77), from 1928, and was intended among other things to form part of the defence of a number of existing and new accesses, including in particular (highway) roads. The Group Shelter Type P usually came about in the immediate vicinity of already existing or contemporaneously constructed casemates, gun emplacements, fortifications or trenches. Because the trenches and other earthworks were later levelled almost everywhere, the concrete shelters nowadays sometimes lie partially below ground level. The traditionally completely closed front or face side of the Group Shelters Type P was intended to be covered by earthworks, which could form part of a glacis to protect the trench or a covered way. These earthworks are now mostly no longer present or only barely recognizable, but particularly on forts or in terrain otherwise characterized by relief, there is sometimes still cover. There are various variants of Type P, both in terms of dimensions and protection class as in execution and detailing. For example, there are specimens built in the protection classes W 12-15 and W 21-28 with dimensions ranging from approximately 5.50 x 7.20 x 4.70 m to 6.50 x 8.20 x 4.90 m (w x d x h). Numerous specimens of Type P were built in inundatable areas, in some cases with a (subsequently visible) pile foundation, while often a retaining wall or trough with stairs was incorporated against inundation water in the then elevated, square access, and in yet others a surrounding projecting concrete foundation plate is present. The specimens located within the complex 'Covered Community Road, with Inundation Canal' are located in the immediate vicinity of the Lunet at the Snel.

Description

GROUP SHELTERS TYPE P are single-storey, usually reinforced, approximately 100 to 180 cm thick cast concrete, grenade-proof, military shelters that could provide protection for 10-12 infantry/artillery personnel. The Group Shelters Type P are built on a rectangular ground plan. Both blind side walls and the rear wall are executed vertically up to approximately 3 m in height. Above this, these walls bend inward at an angle of approximately 45° and then transition to a flat roof. The visible height above ground level varies. On the right in the rear wall is an access opening at locally varying height above ground level, which was later either left open or closed off. The entirely vertical, closed front wall reflects the 45° angles and thus ends as a 'truncated pointed gable'. In a number of cases, iron hooks or brackets were cast into the wall(s) that could serve for the attachment of camouflage material. A characteristic component on top of the shelter type P is the conical, concrete 'outlet', which was intended for the application of a periscope. In practice, however, these periscopes were never installed. The interior of the Group Shelters Type P consists of a short passage (usually with a concrete retaining wall or balustrade and normally a few descending steps) and an 'air lock' directed to the left from there, which could be sealed by a (consisting of several parts) heavy, steel door with bolts. Via a second, similar door, the rear area could be reached on the right, the actual shelter. The access could be covered from this space by a firing port. The steel doors are often no longer present outside areas still used by Defence after the Second World War, or they are invisible as a result of the Group Shelters being sealed off with brick or concrete. The ceilings, located at approximately two metres above floor level, are flat and rectangular. In a number of cases interior components are still present, such as (remains of) wooden benches or a support for the hand firearm for covering the entrance. The specimens within the complex 'Covered Community Road, with Inundation Canal' had a function in the defence of the Lek access.

Valuation

GROUP SHELTERS TYPE P within the complex 'Covered Community Road, with Inundation Canal' are of general importance because of:

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

* 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 (20th century), c. the system of 'living' field fortification in depth (20th century).

These are components from the period 1939-1940. These components are examples of reinforced concrete group shelters (Type P / Pyramid), now without earthen cover.

* 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.

* The components are representative (characteristic) because they are clearly recognizable as components added to the existing fortification system as part of a deconcentrated defence.

* The components are reasonably well preserved and can still be easily recognized in the field as built elements.