Zuiderzeedijk Schellingwoude - Durgerdam

During the First World War, temporary fortifications were built along the dike to protect ports and railways. Batteries with field guns appeared near Monnickendam, Janhagelhoek, and Edam. Infantry redoubts and column roads connected the dike to surrounding villages. Additional positions were located in Volendam and along the railway line near Kwadijk.

In January 1916, the dike breached in several places, flooding large parts of Waterland. Military units assisted in the rescue and recovery efforts. Sandbags were filled with equipment from Fort Kwadijk. By the end of March, the breaches were filled.

In 1944, the German occupying forces placed explosives in the dike between Schellingwoude and Durgerdam. Resistance groups attempted to prevent sabotage. In May 1945, the charges were removed by German prisoners of war, although one explosion resulted in casualties (one German soldier was killed and one Canadian seriously injured). The dike remained undamaged.

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Source

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