Kazemat, Betonnen werken rond Fort Everdingen Culemborg

English translation

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Description

Cluster 502.

NEW HOLLAND WATERLINE

Introduction

CONCRETE BLOCKS OF CAST STEEL CUPOLA CASEMATES TYPE G as remains of components added in the period 1939-1940 to the linear and access defence with trench systems and the like, near Fort Everdingen. One of these is clearly visible in linear connection with several group shelters type P along the east side of the Diefdijk and a second to the west of the Breedsteeg, approximately 150 m to the north-west of no. 3, likewise in the vicinity of a group shelter type P. A third lies (possibly) barely visible within the northernmost farm complex along the east side of the Diefdijk (no. 52). Works along the banks of the Lek have resulted in part of the small concrete works in the complex Concrete Works around Fort Everdingen coming to lie on artificial islets and having subsided or been further damaged, as a result of which any other specimens are difficult to recognize anymore. In 1936, as a supplement to the reinforced concrete casemate, the so-called cast steel cupola casemate was introduced in the Netherlands, which was based on a system already applied in France in 1917. The armour cupolas used were small in size (favourable with regard to low visibility and hit probability), round in shape (favourable with regard to deflecting hits and strength), relatively simple to produce in series, and they had an 'external' firing aperture (favourable with regard to gases and noise). Moreover, they could be manufactured in the Netherlands, which significantly reduced dependence on foreign countries. A first order of 100 pieces in the Netherlands (from DEMKA) was followed by a second of 50 pieces from the Belgian Soc. Anonyme John Cockerill. In total, more than 700 must have been cast in a short time, but only a few have survived more or less completely. The cast steel cupolas, with a diameter of 1.75 m and thicknesses of 10-17 centimetres, were installed in multiple casemate types with resistance classes W 12-15 to W 21-28. Shortly before the start of the Second World War, so-called Standard Cast Steel Cupola Casemates Type G were constructed at various locations in the Dutch lines, notably in the IJssel Line, the Meuse Line, the Grebbe Line (each approximately 150) and in the New Holland Waterline (approximately 80). The usual construction of reinforced concrete with one or more fixed gun apertures was hereby abandoned in favour of a system that had a firing direction to be projected within variable limits (up to 270°), within a cast steel cylinder with cupola roof. Cast Steel Cupola Casemates in the NHW were equipped with a heavy machine gun as armament. Most cupolas were placed in these Standard Cast Steel Cupola Casemates Type G. During the Second World War, by far the majority of cupolas in the interior were demolished by the occupier from the casemates - mostly by blowing up the casemates - to be recast for other steel needs. At the coast, they were partly incorporated into the defence, but were mostly demolished after the war. As a result, complete Cast Steel Cupola Casemates Type G are rare; specimens still exist at Fort Vechten and one at Fort Everdingen. The heavy reinforced concrete structures in which the cupolas were placed are more commonly found - usually in damaged form.

Description

CONCRETE BLOCKS OF CAST STEEL CUPOLA CASEMATES TYPE G consist of relatively low, virtually square concrete consoles (approximately 7.00 x 6.50 x 3.00 m; w x d x h), with a bevelled section at the height of the space recessed therein for the cast steel cupola. The firing apertures in the no longer present cupolas and the entrances to the casemate, which were located in a recess behind the cupola and which can still be recognized in recesses on the gorge side of the concrete blocks, could be closed 'gas-tight' from within. The specimens present within the complex Concrete Works around Fort Everdingen have been blown up to remove the cast steel cupolas and as a result show serious concrete damage. The casemates are not accessible; two of them, by their location and connection with other components of the complex, still clearly show their function.

Valuation

The CONCRETE BLOCKS OF CAST STEEL CUPOLA CASEMATES TYPE G of the complex Concrete Works around Fort Everdingen are of general interest by virtue of:

* Cultural-historical values as part of the New Holland Waterline as designed by C.R.T. Kraijenhoff and initially from 1815 realized 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 architecture, which is based on: a. the system of inundation and access defence (19th and 20th century), b. the race with increasingly strengthened offensive means (19th and 20th century), c. the system of 'living' field fortification in depth (20th century).

These are components from the period 1939-1940, which are examples of reinforced concrete casemates, now without earth covering and without cast steel cupola.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the New Holland Waterline. Also by virtue of the functional and physical connection with the other components of the complex and in particular with the nearby Group Shelters Type P.

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

* The components, despite their deliberate dismantling during the Second World War, are reasonably well preserved and, especially to the extent that they do not lie in the redeveloped bank area of the Lek, in most cases can still be well recognized as built components in the field.