Scheinflughafen 12

In 1941, the Germans built a dummy airfield near Heiloo, Scheinflugplatz 12, to divert Allied attacks from the real Bergen airfield. Soldiers in a bunker simulated hits with deliberate fires, ignited with kerosene rags and a heated gutter.

The site was carefully camouflaged with wooden sheds, tarpaulin, and lighting. A wooden replica of a Messerschmitt on a motorized rail could be pulled out and turn on lights, as if the aircraft were real.

Although it looked realistic, the Allies were well-informed. A 1942 report showed a detailed map of the dummy airfield. Nevertheless, many attacks on SF 12 were reportedly carried out accidentally.

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Source

• Text: TracesofWar
• Photos: TracesofWar
• - Museum Alkmaar