Bunker AV10

It is an exceptional bunker within the entire TPG (Tête du Pont de Gand). On the one hand, this bunker has an emergency exit and on the other hand, this bunker was dug into the ridge of the former mill. Today, this location is still called "Gijzelmolen". This mill disappeared in 1931. On the 2nd day of Pentecost it burned down in a heavy thunderstorm (official reason). 'Av' is the abbreviation of 'avancé' or 'advanced'. It is a bunker that was placed more in front in order to better fulfil its war role, namely to observe the lower terrain well and to take it at gunpoint. The bunker has two embrasures and is camouflaged with Tyrolean hunchbacks.

The entrance to the bunker is also special. Unlike most bunkers, this bunker does not have an entrance via a staircase downwards, but had its entrance via the mill hill. Crampons could then be used to enter the bunker. The two rooms in the bunker are equipped for the installation of a Maxim machine gun. In addition, there was also a provision for the installation of a Hotchkiss or Coltmi gun. The emergency exit was located in the second room. The outer wall of the bunker was only half a brick thick at that location. On the inside were iron profiles that could be removed through a narrow slot at the top. The wall could be stamped away with an iron profile or the butt of a rifle. Hooks and racks were provided on the walls. The hooks for hanging all kinds of material such as helmet and backpack. The racks were iron hooks on which an oak plank was laid. The ball tapes were placed on this board. During the battle of Gijzenzele, the bunker was manned by the 13th company of the 6th Line Regiment and consisted of a section chief, two unit commanders, two loaders and two gunners.

In 1962, a grey electricity cabin was built by the then Ebes just in front of the loopholes. In the 90s, the cab was replaced by a green one. Currently, the cabin has been moved next to the bunker, giving a better view of the bunker.

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