The largest bunker in the Netherlands in IJmuiden.
The largest bunker in the Netherlands is located in IJmuiden, on the grounds of Cebo Holland. This is a factory that imports and trades large quantities of minerals such as bentonite and barite. This bunker is not underground, like most bunkers, but protrudes more than 17 metres above the ground surface.
It was built as a so-called ‘schnellbootbunker’ and served as a storage and mooring place for motor torpedo boats. These could be deployed tactically via the harbour of IJmuiden. The bunker was put into use around November 1941 and was regularly fired upon by the Allies, although this initially had little chance of success.
It was only when the Tallboy and similar bombs were invented that the Allies managed to damage the bunker. These bombs first pierced the thick layer of concrete that covered the roof of the bunker, before exploding inside. The bunker is of gigantic proportions with dimensions of 242.15 meters long, 73.85 meters wide and therefore more than 17 meters high. However, this height is only the part that protrudes above the water surface, because the boats were of course in the water. The walls of the bunker are therefore sunk much deeper under the water surface.
The largest bunker in the Netherlands in IJmuiden.
The largest bunker in the Netherlands is located in IJmuiden, on the grounds of Cebo Holland. This is a factory that imports and trades large quantities of minerals such as bentonite and barite. This bunker is not underground, like most bunkers, but protrudes more than 17 metres above the ground surface.
It was built as a so-called ‘schnellbootbunker’ and served as a storage and mooring place for motor torpedo boats. These could be deployed tactically via the harbour of IJmuiden. The bunker was put into use around November 1941 and was regularly fired upon by the Allies, although this initially had little chance of success.
It was only when the Tallboy and similar bombs were invented that the Allies managed to damage the bunker. These bombs first pierced the thick layer of concrete that covered the roof of the bunker, before exploding inside. The bunker is of gigantic proportions with dimensions of 242.15 meters long, 73.85 meters wide and therefore more than 17 meters high. However, this height is only the part that protrudes above the water surface, because the boats were of course in the water. The walls of the bunker are therefore sunk much deeper under the water surface.