'Flugplatz Koolkerke'

From the spring of 1917, the occupier built an airfield on the land referred to as ‘Schobbejakshoogte’ [Scoundrel Elevation], along Dudzelesteenweg. Ideally located near the inner port of Bruges and the Bruges-Zeebrugge Canal, it comprised aircraft hangars of the Marine Feldjagdstaffel and hangars for the seaplane depot of the Marinekorps Flandern.

The seaplanes were ideal for patrolling the coastline and keeping an eye on the Allied coastal forces, so that pilots could bring themselves and their aircraft to safety in the event of any defect.

The units stationed there protected the Bruges sky from Allied air raids. The Germans claimed ‘Ten Berghe’ castle to house their pilots and officers of Flugplatz Koolkerke. They used the airport until the end of the war.

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