Landscape artwork ‘Fragments and Patterns’ Grebbeberg

Prior to the construction of new cycle paths and footpaths along the Grebbeweg between Wageningen and Rhenen in 2014, archaeological research was conducted, uncovering many traces that recall the fierce battle that took place here between 11 and 13 May 1940.

However, there is virtually no trace of this left in the landscape, but the province of Utrecht, together with visual artist Paul de Kort, has created a work of art to depict the horrors of this battle.

The Dutch and German defence and attack lines ran perpendicular to the newly constructed paths. A number of anchor points have been placed along these paths to represent the course of the battle from east to west.

The cable barrier at the foot of the Grebbeberg
The Hoornwerk at the foot of the Grebbeberg
The lock with bridge over the river Greb
The avenue of lime trees near the Cemetery of Honour
The Stop Line as the last line of defence on the Grebbeberg

Concrete tiles throughout the site feature excerpts from eyewitness accounts by Dutch soldiers. They show the course of the battle, but also convey its intensity.

At the cable barrier, there is a concrete strip with a pattern of cable imprints across the cycle path, and at the Grift, imprints form a similar pattern of barbed wire. The battle at the Grebbe lock is visualised by a concrete slab with a pattern of water circles caused by falling shells.

A footpath connects the cemetery of honour with the Stop Line. This path is lined with narrow concrete strips bearing inscriptions. These inscriptions are taken from a report by reserve commander Van der Boom. Walking towards the Stop Line, the actual battle is described, while walking in the other direction, the emotional struggle is described.

The Stop Line itself is marked by concrete objects on both sides of the road. On one side is the text: “I can suppress the panic, but not the fear”, and on the other side of the road is: “Surrender is the only thing left for us”.

The specified location is on the east side of the route where the attack began. The route ends with the text path just past the cemetery to the former stop line.

The artwork is part of the Path of Freedom:
- https://padvandevrijheid.nl/
You can hear more about the stage between Wageningen and Rhenen in the podcast
- https://open.spotify.com/episode/2vxFIegPJSApxiyj2jBYBb

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!

Source

• Text: TracesOfWar
• Photos: Hans Tasma
• - https://www.parklaan.nl/?page_id=1649
• - https://www.grebbeberg.nl/index.php?page=landschapskunstwerk-fragmenten-en-patronen-officieel-geopend