West-Vlaanderen

Let’s take a closer look on this area

First impression of West-Vlaanderen

The MG-bunker type VF 3 of W.N. “Waldersee”

West-Vlaanderen

Coastal area from Cadzand to De Panne defended

In West-Vlaanderen bunkers were mainly concentrated along the coast. This coastal area starts at the Dutch border near Cadzand. It runs all the way down to the border with France, near coastal village De Panne. In militairy terms this sector fell under the command of A.O.K. 15 (Armeeoberkommando 15), which had its headquarters in Tourcoing (F). It was devided in 2 smaller defence sectors designated K.V.A. A2 and K.V.A. A3.

In the year 1944 the area consisted of only 1 Stützpunktgruppe. Because of its important port, this defence unit was created in and around Oostende. The coastal areas between bigger defence units such as Stützpunktgruppen, were regarded less important to defend. As as result, the area before and after Oostende was considered a free coast or Freie Küste. However, it did not mean that the amount of fortifications along these shores was small, on the contrary.

The strategic importance of Zeebrugge meant that the Germans had strong defences along the coast. For instance, while being a former Stützpunktgruppe, there were 2 Navy coastal batteries build. At Knokke, Lissewege, Blankenberge and Breedene army railway batteries were at disposal. In close proximity of Wenduine and De Haan, Radar Stations were constructed in the dunes. The city of Oostende was heavily defended and had 2 Navy coastal batteries at its disposal. A large bunker for S-Boats was centrally located in the port. Furthermore, the city was fully enclosed by an anti-tank ditch. Behind this barrier, 3 strongpoints consisting of bunkers with armoured parts were positioned, to defend the city from inland enemy attack.

Further west, many strongpoints and resistance nests were present along the coast from Mariakerke to Koksijde. In earlier periods of the war, the surroundings of Mariakerke and Oostduinkerke-Bad were designated as Stützpunktgruppe.

Quite a few interesting bunker and defence complexes remain

As shown above, in the province of West-Vlaanderen a considerable amount of bunkers was built. At the present time, there are still quite a few interesting bunkers and defence complexes that remain. Therefore, we find it important to protect the fortifications in Belgium as much as possible. Especially, as so much has been destroyed after since.