Cointet-element

The Belgian Gate ( also Cointet Barrier after the inventor, C- element in the Wehrmacht and colloquially De Ijzeren Muur, the iron wall ) was a modular, on casters Portable and chain- like flexible heavy steel fence, which served as a roadblock. Most elements were about three meters wide, two meters high and attached to solid metal wheels. Through horses, trucks, short haul by hand force the gates were moved and positioned to lock.

The barrier member was one of the main components of the Belgian KW- line, a tank line of defense the German West Wall, which was built from September 1939 to May 1940 by the Belgian armed forces to defend himself against a heavily armed attack of the German Reich to similar. A total of 77,000 gates were bought and installed, which were produced by 28 companies in Belgium and placed between Koningshooikt and Wavre. Here it should prevent a German advance into the heart of Belgium.

The use of the individual, the eponymous gate-like elements were hung together side by side, connected in a zig- zag line, with steel cables, hinges and locks, side mounted on concrete pillars which are still visible in some areas today alongside roads. Together all elements of a barrier formed a kind of wall of iron, which could not be rolled over or knocked over by tanks and at the same time flexible gave way, could also be opened if necessary at any point. Use as an armor- proof gate of a larger lock was possible.

In May 1940, during a large-scale dislocation However, they were easily broken by the 3rd and 4th Panzer Division of the Wehrmacht, since their number is too low and their defense was too weak. After the victory of the Germans on 28 May 1940, the Belgian gates were distributed by the Wehrmacht in Belgium, France and the neighboring countries and set up again, especially on roads, bridges and beaches. The locations were strategically selected often low, so that the Allies at their landing partially had great difficulty with overcoming in 1944.

The currently known images of Belgian goals as a beach landing craft obstacles to date from this period. The preparation was carried out here, despite the original installation individually, partly directly on the beach, a mining of the elements or their interstices at least, was provided. In Normandy they could but the rush of landing craft not prevent, because the obstacles had been previously explored and selected the Tide accordingly. The elements were clearly visible above water and could be bypassed by the boats. The steel of this and other beach obstacles shortly after became widely used to weld the rear blade ( "Hedge - cutter" ) for the Allied tanks in Normandy, an impromptu invention, the Allied advance into Normandy significantly simplified and accelerated.

Evidence and for further reading

  • Belgian gate
  • Belgian gate
  • The Belgian Gate as part of the fortifications of Belgium
  • Detailed placement diagrams
  • Omaha Beach D-Day with figure of Belgian gates after landing
  • Belgian goals in today's civilian use
  • Mounting Type
  • Type of metal
  • Atlantic Wall
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