Kazemat, Betonnen werken Diefdijk-Zuid Culemborg

English translation

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Description

Cluster 64.

NEW HOLLAND WATERLINE

Introduction

CONCRETE BLOCK OF CAST STEEL CUPOLA CASEMATE TYPE G as part of linear and access defence with trench systems, group shelters and the like. Because of the State Road 2 (now A 2), designed shortly before the Second World War, which crosses the Diefdijk at Zijderveld, a number of concrete defence works were constructed at this access, including this still-existing cast steel cupola casemate type G. 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 armoured cupolas used were small in size (favourable with regard to visibility and hit probability), round in shape (favourable with regard to deflecting projectiles 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 of these remain. 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 beginning of the Second World War, so-called Cast Steel Cupola Casemates Type G were constructed at various locations in the Dutch lines, in particular in the IJssel line, the Meuse line, the Grebbe line (each approximately 150) and the New Holland Waterline (approximately 80). The customary construction of reinforced concrete with one or more fixed firing ports was abandoned here in favour of a system that had a shooting direction which could be projected within variable limits (up to 270°), within a cast steel cylinder with cupola roof. Most cupolas were placed in the Cupola Casemates Type G. Cast Steel Cupola Casemates Type G were built to a standardised design and consist of a cast steel cupola (usually removed), which is anchored in a reinforced concrete structure. On the front side there was a firing port with a cantilevered part - a 'eyebrow' to protect the weapon - and on the other side an entrance that could be closed by a steel cover. The concrete structure consists of a relatively low rectangular building, with a bevelled section on the front side, to achieve maximum field of fire. The standard armament for cupola casemates in the New Holland Waterline consisted of a heavy machine gun. The firing port and access to the casemate could be sealed 'gas-tight' from the inside.

During the Second World War, the vast majority of cupolas inland were demolished by the occupier from the casemates - partly by blowing them up - to have them recast for other steel requirements. On the coast, they were partly incorporated into the defence, but were mostly demolished after the war. As a result, complete cupola casemates are rare, but they can still be found, among others, at the Fort near Vechten and one example at Fort Everdingen. The concrete structures in which they were placed occur more frequently - but usually in damaged form.

Description

The CONCRETE BLOCK OF CAST STEEL CUPOLA CASEMATE TYPE G (1939-1940) is the remains of a relatively low, almost square, concrete casemate (approximately 7.00 x 6.20 x 2.50 m; w x d x h), with, at the level of the space hollowed out for the cupola, a backwards-sloping surface. The still-existing example within the complex Intermediate Position Diefdijk - South is located south of State Road 2 (A2). On the rear side a recess in the concrete to access the cupola. The example has been blown up and as a result shows serious concrete damage; the cupola has been removed and remelted. The example is not accessible.

Valuation

The CONCRETE BLOCK OF CAST STEEL CUPOLA CASEMATE TYPE G within the complex Intermediate Position Diefdijk - South is of general interest because of:

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

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

This is a component from the period 1939-1940, namely a remains of a reinforced concrete casemate.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the New Holland Waterline in general and because of the mutual functional, functionally-spatial and physical coherence with the other components of the complex and with the access of the newly constructed State Road 2.

* The component is representative (characteristic) because it is clearly recognisable as part of a dispersed defence line and as defence of a new access added to the existing fortification system and is also clearly recognisable as such in the field.

* The component is reasonably well preserved because important physical characteristics, despite deliberate partial dismantling, have remained recognisable.