Tank casemate Ooij

Along the Waal, at Erlecomsedam 34 in Ooij, there is a special bunker that is part of the IJssellinie, one of the most important defenses from the Dutch Cold War. This line was built between 1950 and 1955 to close off the rivers IJssel, Rhine and Waal in the event of a threatening military conflict and thus prevent enemy troops from entering the interior via these waterways.

The bunker at Erlecomsedam 34 is probably a tank casemate or a similar artillery bunker. Tank casemates are concrete military defenses that are specially designed to combat enemy tanks and other vehicles. They usually have an opening for a cannon or machine gun and are sturdily built to withstand shelling, while the crew can remain safely inside.

What makes this bunker extra special is that it is located on the site of the former brick factory De Ooij, where the bunkers were originally hidden behind seemingly innocent sheds and buildings. This camouflage made the military structures difficult to spot, while they still played a strategic role in the defense of the river barriers.

In addition to this bunker, many other remains of the IJssellinie can be found in the Ooijpolder, such as tank casemates, command posts and even a field hospital. Although many of these bunkers are often in a dilapidated state today, they are a valuable and tangible reminder of the Cold War and the preparations that were made at the time to protect the Netherlands.

For military history enthusiasts and those interested in the Cold War, a visit to this location is therefore very worthwhile. Please note, however, that some structures are located on private property; therefore, always respect local regulations and access regulations.

In short, the bunker at Erlecomsedam 34 in Ooij is not only a silent witness to an important period in Dutch history, but also a fascinating place to discover the traces of the Cold War in the middle of the rural river area.

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Source

• Text: RJArmy.nl
• Photos: RJArmy.nl