Military Police Detachment Lobith - Tolkamer

During the May days of 1940, this building housed the guard detachment of the Lobith - Tolkamer military police.

The Lobith-Tolkamer military police guard detachment was commanded by Sergeant Major Stoorvogel. In May 1940, the detachment consisted of approximately 25 men.

This unit was tasked with inspecting all incoming ships, along with customs officers. They also kept a close eye on the ships' cargo and ensured it matched the required documentation.

When a ship reached Lobith, it had to report to the river police guard post. Instructions were given there, and crew lists were checked. Each ship was carefully inspected, and if there were any doubts, the public prosecutor in Arnhem was informed.

The guard post at Lobith-Tolkamer had its own boat that approached each incoming ship. If the cargo or documentation was incorrect, the ship was secured and examined more closely. All cargo was unloaded and reweighed if necessary. Ships were also sometimes sent on to Arnhem for a more thorough inspection.

Once a ship had been searched, the skipper was given a code number. Every day, the military police received a list of these numbers, a copy of which was sent to the guard post and the gunboat.

A river police guard boat was moored 800 meters downstream. Each ship had to report there and provide its number. If this matched the information, it was allowed to proceed. If it didn't, the ship was ordered to turn around and sail back to Lobith.

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar
• Photos: TracesofWar