Land front near Koudekerke

The outer land front of Festung Vlissingen at Koudekerke has been well-preserved. Virtually the entire anti-tank ditch with its string of bunkers still exists. They can be viewed from a pedestrian and bicycle trail marked by information panels. This anti-tank ditch is another example of an existing waterway (in this case the Valkenisse Watergang) that was excavated and rerouted for defensive purposes. The primary function of these machinegun bunkers along the water was control of the ditch and the terrain in front of it. At the same time, they controlled access into the area. One anti-tank gun casemate (type 625) and two type 630 machinegun bunkers along the former anti-tank ditch, all located east of Koudekerke, have been demolished. Two more type 630 bunkers on either side of the Braamweg and one on the grounds of the cemetery have also been torn down. Still standing are: a type 600 bunker for a tank gun with an open rooftop emplacement, a crew room and an ammunition magazine, as well as three type 623s, one type 630 and one type 631 bunker. In the village of Koudekerke one can find two type 134 ammunition bunkers, one of which was modified to serve as a dressing station (type 134S). A type 621 personnel bunker and a type 198 water bunker have been cleared.