Asschatterkade Leusden
The Asschatterkeerkade in Leusden is one of the older surviving elements of the Grebbelinie. It dates from 1745 and, at 2,500 metres, it is one of the longest retaining quays of the Grebbelinie. In the time of the Batavian Republic, during Napoleon's occupation, the quay was reinforced by French troops.
Two hundred Dutch soldiers were stationed there between September 1939 and May 1940. During this period, the tank barrier, the sluice and several casemates were built. The largest concrete casemate is the "seven-shooter" in the middle of the quay. A large casemate with seven embrasures. There is also a unique concrete tank barrier from that era. In vain, the Germans tried to breach the Valley Line here in the May days of 1940. Heroic is the story of the Zandbrinker mill that was set on fire by Dutch soldiers.
In April 19,...
The Asschatterkeerkade in Leusden is one of the older surviving elements of the Grebbelinie. It dates from 1745 and, at 2,500 metres, it is one of the longest retaining quays of the Grebbelinie. In the time of the Batavian Republic, during Napoleon's occupation, the quay was reinforced by French troops.
Two hundred Dutch soldiers were stationed there between September 1939 and May 1940. During this period, the tank barrier, the sluice and several casemates were built. The largest concrete casemate is the "seven-shooter" in the middle of the quay. A large casemate with seven embrasures. There is also a unique concrete tank barrier from that era. In vain, the Germans tried to breach the Valley Line here in the May days of 1940. Heroic is the story of the Zandbrinker mill that was set on fire by Dutch soldiers.
In April 1945, the Asschatterkeerkade was again frontline between German and Allied troops and four civilians were shot at the quay. A monument stands there as a memorial. The monument is visited annually during the May commemoration.
There is a lot to see and tell about the quay. The different time layers are clearly visible. After the war, the quay was developed into a beautiful ecological area where bats, mammals and as many as 40 different species of birds are found.
This location is part of the Grebbelinieroute. Play the video when on location: https://youtu.be/EB1a3TexlW8