Command bunker 221

Bunker Zeeland

The Trentse forests can be found north of Volkel Air Base. In this wooded area you will find a shooting range restored to its former glory and an old command bunker with the number 221, built in 1951, dating from the time of the Cold War. Also called Bunker Zeeland. During these years, the bunker was in the hands of the Ministry of War. The inscription 'MvO' can still be read on the stone post on the left in front of the bunker. The bunker was called 'Bunker Zeeland' in air force jargon, was one of twins. The other, identical bunker, number 222, was located in Odiliapeel. The bunkers housed the transmitting and receiving equipment of the air base's air traffic control. The receiving equipment was located in bunker Zeeland and the transmitters were located in Odiliapeel. Near the bunker you will find a 30 meter high transmission mast that provided good reception.

The equipment for communication was fragile, and by today's standards, large in size. The bunkers provided the necessary space and physical protection. Until 1965, the bunker remained in use in the woods of Trent. The equipment has been moved to other locations.

The bunker has cultural-historical value and has been preserved. Between 2011 and 2013, the Rural Areas Department, part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, carried out the Transformation of Military Complexes project. As part of this project, seven former military complexes in North Brabant have been transformed. Due to the location of the former military complexes, all sites have been given a natural function. The bunker in the Trentse Bossen now mainly serves as a bat enclosure.

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