Widerstandsnest (WN) 43

The northern part of Fortress Hook of Holland was enclosed by inner and outer anti-tank ditches. North of the Maasdijk (the levee along the river Maas) one complex along the outer ditch still exists on a triangular piece of meadow near a little sluice that dates back to 1857. The watercourses near this position - Widerstandsnest or Resistance Nest 43 – were part of the anti-tank ditch. The little waterway, Poelwatering, was within range of a small type 667 artillery casemate with a gun slit that offered an unimpeded view across the water. The shape of the east side of the structure is unusual in that it is slanted, and the defensive wall next to the embrasure is angled. Adjacent to it is a type 668 six man shelter.

A bunker intended to command the tank ditch along the levee of the Maas river was planned but never built. Possibly to compensate, a large Tobruk for cannon was erected in front of both bunkers and an additional machine-gun Tobruk is situated in the rear. A small brick toilet building can be found at the western edge of the terrain. Removal of the earth berm revealed its barrel vault and buttresses, but wear and tear from of the exposure to the elements is apparent.

A third Tobruk (near the sluice) and a kitchen (near the toilet) are thought to have been dug into the levee but are not visible. They were either demolished or they have been incorporated into the levee, which has been enlarged over the years. Nevertheless, this small complex is a fine example of a fortified position located on an anti–tank ditch. In viewing the site, one must bear in mind that the current vegetation and construction were absent during the war. In those times, a free field of fire was an absolute requirement.