Bomvrij militair object, Batterij onder Brakel Brakel (Zaltbommel 25)

English translation

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Description

Cluster 76.

NEW HOLLAND WATERLINE

Introduction

BOMBPROOF BUILDING as a representative of a type of bombproof structures that are provided with an earth covering on three sides and on top and that have only a facade on the throat side. After the earth body of the Battery under Brakel was realized with the necessary setbacks, a bombproof building was constructed centrally on the work to serve as accommodation for various functions. As the range of artillery increased, the force of projectile impacts and the explosive power of (brisant) grenades increased, it became increasingly difficult to withstand bombardment. Reinforcement of masonry, application of shock-absorbing masonry systems (among other means through the use of arches and vaults), shallow slope angles and curved or pointed forms, use of concrete - and later reinforced concrete - in increasingly heavy execution, was one of the ways to keep the fortifications resistant to increasing attack force. Furthermore, the application of earth coverings proved to be a good means of absorbing or dampening the energy of impacts. This is the reason why many masonry or concrete structures are provided with a layer of earth or a front protection of sand or earth. Depending on the period of construction - and thus the expected impact force of projectiles - one spoke of 'bombproof buildings', when they were deemed to be capable of withstanding a predetermined number of impacts from heavy calibre. The bombproof building at the Battery under Brakel is executed in brick and comprises two above-ground storeys and a basement storey.

Description

The BOMBPROOF BUILDING at the Battery under Brakel is located centrally on the earth body and is characterized by virtually mirror-image brick facades on the west side or throat side of the work. Arched forms are recognizable in the masonry. The floor plan of the structure is rectangular, with on the ground floor on the left and right a projecting wing that together form a forecourt. The bombproof building is covered with earth on all sides - except on the west side - as protection against projectile impacts. The ground floor facade is bordered on both sides by right-angled retaining walls and is approximately half as wide as the facade of the upper storey, which ends on both sides with retaining walls situated in the plane of the facade, sloping downwards at an angle. The right-hand right-angled retaining wall contains access openings. The main facade contains on the ground floor on the left and right a slightly arched access opening; both are flanked by similar window openings. On the upper storey, directly above, two sets of window openings with a comparable composition, and beyond these accesses with double sash doors, which provided access to coach houses. These two latter accesses are accessible via slopes behind the aforementioned right-angled retaining walls. Two inscriptions mention the year '1880' and the name 'Brakel'. Below the ground floor there is a basement storey, to which among other things a goods lift leads. The interior of the bombproof building was not visited, but photographs show that the condition of maintenance is moderate, which is further evident from the fact that some (wooden) floors are impassable and doors are rotten. The structure shows great similarity with the bombproof structure at the Battery under Poederoijen, which is to be considered as a counterpart.

Valuation

The BOMBPROOF BUILDING at the Battery under Brakel is of general importance 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 by others for approximately 125 years strengthened and improved.

* 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 century), b. the race with increasingly strengthening offensive means (19th century).

This concerns a component from around 1880, namely an example of an earth-covered bombproof building with two projecting retaining walls that enclose a small forecourt.

* Ensemble value and situational values as part of the New Holland Waterline in general and because of the functional and physical coherence with the other components of the complex. Furthermore as a counterpart of the comparable building at the Battery under Poederoijen.

* The component is fairly representative because in appearance it exhibits the characteristics that underline the defensive purpose of the time.

* The component is reasonably preserved because although in the course of time it has undergone few essential modifications and has retained the original structure, it is in a moderate condition of maintenance.