German mortar bunker Regelbau 633 - Ostend

There is also a World War II mortar bunker in the lock in front of the lighthouse, one of the few remaining from the Atlantic Wall.

It was intended to provide cover fire against enemy infantry for the De Halve Maan and Hundius batteries . This combat bunker type R ( Regelbau ) 633 was part of the Atlantic Wall of the German coastal defense. The main armament consisted of a 5 cm M19 mortar installed under a heavy steel armored bell and had a firing range of 750 meters .

The task of this type of bunker was to defend the beaches and "bases" (the port of Ostend) . Ostend's R 633 is the only surviving example of this type in Flanders. The bunker is easily accessible and the old service signs are clearly legible on the wall and mortar bell. The original armored doors and emergency exits were retained, as was the emergency exit safety device. The steel mortar hood still retains its cover plate with the opening for the mortar.

Willem Vandenameele