Waarnemingspost, Fort bij Asperen Acquoy (West Betuwe 25)

English translation

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Description

Cluster 67.

NEW HOLLAND WATERLINE

Introduction

CONCRETE OBSERVATION POSTS as added components of a small fort with earthwork reinforcements built around the middle of the 19th century for the defence of inundation works and of the river access of the Linge. One of the important functions in military operations or works was that of observing any (enemy) movements or actions. To this end, lookout posts were set up from time immemorial, whereby a high position, whether or not concealed or covered, was favoured. Natural elevations, various towers, hot air balloons and aeroplanes were frequently used as such. Covered observation posts were applied in various forms, whereby earth and wood and ultimately iron, stone and (reinforced) concrete proved most reliable. This latter material was applied, among other places, at the Fort at Asperen, where during the First World War and also afterwards experimentation with this then still new material took place. Reinforced concrete was later applied on a large scale and often also incorporated as an integrated component in the works. The observation posts could be relocated, which has now also been done with a specimen that was situated on top of the tower, but which is now - during the restoration of the fort - positioned next to the adjoining lock and which was still there at the end of 2009.

Description

CONCRETE OBSERVATION POSTS of various types, each provided with a horizontal viewing slot. The observation posts consist of small rectangular concrete rooms, with a viewing slot extending over one to three sides, sometimes covered by a projecting, inclined concrete plane. Also one or more observation posts executed without overhang, which are covered with railway rails cast in concrete. The entrances, now without doors, are always located on the gorge side. The observation posts were considered 'splinter-proof' rooms.

Valuation

CONCRETE OBSERVATION POSTS are of general importance because of:

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

These are rare examples of reinforced concrete observation posts of different types from the second decade of the 20th century, which also served as concrete experiments.

* Ensemble value and situational values as components of the New Holland Waterline. Also because of the functional and physical coherence with the other components of the complex.

* The components are rare or unique because they are scarce remaining examples of military concrete experiments for series production of this type of defensive measures.

* The components are reasonably well preserved, while they can be easily recognised through their situating - although removable - and function.