Dune "Fortblink"

After the advent of the high-explosive shell in 1885, the existing forts proved vulnerable. To determine the necessary concrete cover and costs, firing tests were conducted from 1887 onwards under the supervision of the Permanent Technical Committee, with Schoorl as the main location.

Earlier tests in Oldebroek showed that brick and basalt offered insufficient protection.

Five test buildings and four concrete slabs were built in Schoorl from 1890 onwards. A narrow-gauge railway provided the transport of materials. A 21 cm mortar and a 15 cm gun fired at the targets; the fragmentation effect was enormous.

Based on the results, a new fort design was developed, which was later revised by the minister. In 1893, the budget for the Defence Line of Amsterdam was approved.

Although the test buildings were partially demolished, some remained until after 1945. Remnants may have been incorporated into breakwaters near beach marker 29. The dune top is still called "Fortblink," and traces of bunkers and craters are likely still visible.

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Source

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