From a meeting with the German general to a look at what's cooking at the Allied field kitchen...
The exceptional historical site in combination with the broad spectrum of depictions that Frontleven and friends manage to bring made it a unique experience for the many hundreds of visitors exploring the bunkers. We thank them all and of course also our volunteers for the lively edition it turned out to be!
The American troops had taken over a large SK1 bunker and set it up for comfort, including a handy floor mat captured from the enemy. In addition to their sleeping quarters, there was also a room where meetings or tactical lessons could be held.
In the smaller VF bunkers, just like more than 80 years ago, a “German” delegation could be found. From the war diaries of the 89th Army Corps it appears that these were built in 1943 to house the troops that had to protect the headquarters. Later, they would also house services for which there was apparently too little room in the large command bunkers.
In the medical bunker (VF57) this edition, in addition to nurses, the Feldgendarmen (military police) were also housed. Just like in the personnel bunker across the road (VF52), the rooms were again furnished down to the smallest detail with attributes from large to small, as was the area around the bunkers.
During WWII it was of course not that easy to come and discover the bunkers in the park. The park and the streets around the headquarters were made a “Sperrgebiet” (restricted area) and one could only enter with a good reason and permit to do so. People who lived within this zone, with or without German soldiers billeted in the house, were given a “passierschein” (pass). A visitor remembered that family members who lived nearby at the time told her about a “Schein” in the war. She promised us a photo if it was still in the family archive. Fingers crossed!
Eddy Bertels.
Eddy Bertels.
Courtesy of the Frontleven re-enactors, we were able to let many new people discover this gem in Antwerp's W.W.2 heritage in a unique way. The fact that many old acquaintances and returning visitors also came by was of course the icing on the cake. Thanks again to everyone (and the weather gods) for the wonderful weekend!