Beach obstacles
"Küstenvorfeldsperre"
In front of the museum are some examples of the types of barriers that were set up along the Atlantic Wall as beach obstacles. These made it almost impossible to land at high tide, making it mandatory to arrive at low tide and cross the open beach. There were many types which, as the “Rommelsperre” document indicates, usually excisted in different types themselves.
Tschechenigel
The “Tschechenigel” or “Spanische Reiter” (Czech Hedgehog or Spanish Horseman) was an anti-tank obstacle made of 3 metal elements. The term Tschechenigel is derived from the origin as these anti-tank obstacles were used before World War II on the fortifications of Czechoslovakia on the border with Germany. The Germans took over this in 1938 but the Soviet Union also used it throughout the war. They were widely used in the Atlantic Wall and were very effective at keeping tanks out of a defensive line because they continued to perform their function, even if knocked over by an explosion, for example.
Concrete was sometimes poured around the legs of the Czech Hedgehogs to ensure they would stay in place despite of the tide.
In a field of full of "Rommel asparagus", a German "Fallshirmjäger" (paratrooper) searches for his enemy colleagues.
Rommelspargel
Concrete or wooden pole of about 4 to 5 meters long, “Luftlandehindernis” as Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel called it himself. They were placed into the ground by the millions to prevent airborne landings and gliders, including at the Wilrijkse plein and the Middelheim park.
The term "Rommel asparagus" was also given to poles that served on the beach to prevent amphibious landings. Sometimes a Tellermine or shell was also placed at the top. In the end, the Atlantic Rommelspargel proved insufficient after tests and were largely replaced by "Hemmbalken".
Hemmbalken
Made with a wooden beam or other available material, at least 8m long, supported at an angle of 40°. Sometimes it was also equipped with metal blades intended to damage the underside of a boat. A mine or shell could also be attached to the end.
Nußknackermine
This type of “Nußknackermine” (Nutcracker Mine) was equipped with 1 or 2 anti-tank mines and sometimes with an extra 15 cm grenade that was cast into the concrete. The activation was done with a steel beam acting as a lever. When a craft collided with it, pressure was applied to the detonator of the mine detonating the charge. Many different types of Nußknackermine were designed and used.
Tetraëder
A tetrahedron was a barrier against armor and other vehicles which was usually made of concrete, relatively easy to move and often used in groups to close off passages. In the Atlantic Wall, the concrete tetrahedron was often fitted with iron pins protruding to tear up or stop the undercarriages of amphibious vehicles, also anti-tank mine were regularly placed on top of it.
(Not in collection)
Cointet element
The original and restored example at the museum of Eben-Emael, on display there since 2021 (website).
Wim Tuyteleers, author of the book “The Belgian Cointet element, 1936 – 1940”, sent us some nice examples of Cointet elements used by the German army in Antwerp. On the quays, near the Pedestrian Tunnel, they were used in the classic way, but on the Left Bank we see not only mobile but also concreted elements on the road.
Also large permanent obstacles were built at locations where vehicles might advance inland.
Höckerhindernis 42
Could be constructed in various configurations with which vehicles up to a maximum of 52 tons were to be stopped.
Panzerkampfwagenmauern
Over large distances along the coast also an anti-tank wall was built. There was always to be an angle of fire on the side of the enemy and passages should always receive extra protection.
For closing off passages, designs were used such as the "Stahlbetonschiebetor" (reinforced concrete sliding door) below.
