Stelling van Amsterdam - General Defence Park

The site in Zaandam, part of the Hembrug area, began as a dredging depot and evolved into a military complex. From the First World War onward, sheds, workshops, and a munitions testing ground were built. In 1920, German war materiel was stored there.

Between 1920 and 1940, it served as the main depot for artillery and ammunition for the Field Army. During the occupation, underground shelters were constructed; the Albrecht resistance group designated it a Kriegseinsatzlager (war deployment camp) in 1944.

After the war, the site was used for mobilization and storage. An armored turret from the depot eventually ended up in military museums. In 1986, it was considered as a location for guided weapons.

The surrounding area remained largely intact, although the Hemspoorbrug (railway bridge) and railway line have been replaced by the Hemtunnel. The site is owned by the Ministry of Finance and managed by the Stichting Mobiele Artillerie (Mobile Artillery Foundation). Several buildings are listed buildings.

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Source

• Text: TracesofWar
• Photos: TracesofWar
• - stelling-amsterdam.nl