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Fortress Oelegem (Oelegem)

Belgium / Antwerpen / Zandhoven / Oelegem / Goorstraat
 park, place with historical importance, fortification
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Fortress Oelegem is one of the 32 fortifications belonging to the 95 Km. long outer defending girdle around Antwerp.
Build in 1909 along with 10 new fortresses and 12 entrenchment as a new defense line to prevent that the city could be bombed by cannons with larger firing range.
Construction was finished in 1912, only it was already inferior to the German fire power. In the outbreak of WW I the fortress was armed but there was no ammunition available.
During the inter-war years, the fortress is rebuild as infantry reinforcement.
WW II, Germans are using it as a depot, after the liberation US military install the air defense centre against V-I attacks out of Holland.
Today it is private property, and one of the three best fortresses to house bats.
In summer months it is occasionally possible to visit.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   51°13'29"N   4°36'52"E
This article was last modified 15 years ago