Versperring, Fort Blauwkapel Utrecht

English translation

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Description

Cluster 33. Remains of trenches.

NEW HOLLANDSE WATERLINE

Introduction

REMAINS OF TRENCHES, as relics and traces of temporary field fortifications, dating from the mobilisation period of 1939-1940. Trenches are mostly open passage systems dug in wartime or when war threatens, providing soldiers with protection against enemy fire. They were produced in abundance during the First World War, but also much earlier, such as from the 16th to the 19th century when they were constructed in our regions during sieges of cities. The excavated earth usually lies as an embankment on the front side and thus forms (additional) cover. In the run-up to the Second World War, trenches were constructed on a large scale in conjunction with concrete works (mainly Group Shelters Type P and Cast Steel Cupola Casemates Type G) and so-called 'group nests' were also created according to this pattern. The trenches from this period were dug works, often reinforced with wooden and concrete elements. Trenches usually have a more or less zigzag or angular course to optimise cover and possible offensive capabilities. After the war, virtually all trenches and group nests were levelled, but here and there visible traces and remains are still present, such as on the south-east side of Fort Blauwkapel. The trench formed part of the system of field fortification, which was constructed by military personnel themselves in the run-up to the Second World War. The subsequent levelling of the terrain was not carried out thoroughly, which is why remains and traces remained recognisable.

Description

REMAINS OF TRENCHES at Fort Blauwkapel. The remains of several trenches from 1939 and 1940 located in the south-eastern part of the fort are flattened and therefore difficult to recognise. The trench formed part of the system of field fortification, which was constructed by military personnel themselves in the run-up to the Second World War. The subsequent levelling of the terrain was not carried out thoroughly, which is why remains and traces remained recognisable.

Valuation

The REMAINS OF TRENCHES at Fort Blauwkapel are of general importance because of:

* Cultural-historical values as components of the Nieuwe Hollandse 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 for 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 (20th century), c. the system of 'living' field fortification in depth (20th century).

The components are relatively rare examples of elements of defensive works constructed in mobilisation time, intended as temporary.

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

* The components have become rather rare, but in their current form are little representative because they are difficult to recognise in their coherence with other works.

* The components are - especially because of their nature - poorly preserved in sound condition because they are flattened and difficult to perceive in situ.