|
Defenceline North.
During
1.st World War the German Emeperor’s Army constructed this defenceline
across Sønderjylland (South Jutland). It was build in 1916 – 17 and
is one of the Worlds best preserved defencelines. The line is situated
in the part of Denmark which was handed over to Germany after Denmarks
defeat in 1864.
This
defenceline is unique in many ways. It was established with great
concern to the best suitable placement in the given
terrain and it was
possible to build it without any interferrence from the enemy, which is
a very unusual situation. It
was established utilising 2 years of experinces with figthing in this
landscape, and finally.... it never came into action. This means that
the remains are very well preserved. All in all Sikringsstilling Nord is
unique.
'The
defenceline covers a streach of approximately 50 kilometres, from city
Hoptrup by the coast at Lillebælt (Littlebelt) in east to Romo (isle Rømø)
in the west. With its almost 900 bunkers, 40 Batteries (gun/kannon sites),
numerous signalling stations and lots and lots of trenches and military
railroads to support the line, this was one of Europes greatest
defencelines at this time.
After the reunion of Nordslesvig with the
rest of Denmark in 1920, this line became a threat to Denmark, because
even a small number of German soldiers would be able to get a very
strong foothold here, and it would have taken a considerable effort to
drive then out again. So, after the reunion, the Danish army started to
blow up the bunkers, but even after this systematical destruction, lots
of bunkers were overlooked and Sikringsstilling Nord is still one of the
Worlds best preserved defencelines from WW.1.
..translated by andresen'
|