WWII ammunition bunkers moved to Soesterberg airfield museum
Bresser successfully relocated two WWII ammunition bunkers to the Dutch museum park Vliegveld Soesterberg, covering a distance of three kilometres. The bunkers, each weighing 30,500 kg, were first lifted by crane onto special transport vehicles (SPMTs – Self-Propelled Modular Transporters). They were then driven along public roads and the former runway of the airbase. Near their final destination, the bunkers were transferred onto a vertical jacking system. Bresser gradually moved the bunkers into their final position using two sliding track systems set at a 90-degree angle. Finally, the bunkers were restored.
At Museum Park Vliegbasis Soesterberg, the former German bunkers are now open to the public again.These more than 80-year-old ammunition bunkers are a fascinating example of shrapnel-free ammunition storage in prefabricated elements, a technique used by the German Luftwaffe during WWII. For the past 20 years, the bunkers were located at a temporary site, but their existence was threatened by area development plans. To preserve this military heritage, the Utrechts Landschap Foundation took ownership and arranged for their relocation to the museum park.
It is great that these historic bunkers will be preserved for future generations, allowing visitors to explore this unique piece of military history!