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Repurposed War Equipment
In the museum’s Liberation Park stands a striking object that illustrates the reuse of wartime materiel: a small German bunker topped with a French tank turret. This so-called Ringstand (also known as a Tobruk) was widely used during the Second World War as a defensive position in the German Atlantic Wall — including along the Zeeland coast.
French Weaponry on a German Bunker
In the museum’s Liberation Park stands a striking example of reused wartime materiel: a small German bunker topped with a French tank turret. Only the upper part of the bunker was visible above ground, making it difficult to detect by enemy forces. In this particular case, a French armoured turret — captured by the Germans after the capitulation of France in 1940 — was mounted on top of the concrete structure. The turret housed a 37 mm SA 18 gun, designed by the French arms manufacturer Puteaux. This weapon was originally intended for light tanks such as the Renault FT. Although already outdated by the time of the Second World War, it remained effective against advancing infantry, light vehicles and — at short range — possibly even against landing craft.
The combination of a concrete bunker and a reused French gun turret provided reasonable protection, while allowing the German defenders to deliver aimed fire at Allied forces. During the Battle of the Scheldt, such strongpoints formed a serious obstacle for the advancing Allies.
From The Hague to Zeeland
The armoured turret on this bunker was transferred in early 2025 from the former Bunker Museum The Hague.
Although visibly affected by the passage of time, the turret was carefully restored and prepared for a new future in the Liberation Park — thanks to the dedication and craftsmanship of the volunteers of the Bevrijdingsmuseum Zeeland.
A New Place in the Liberation Park
For the professional sandblasting and repainting of the steel turret, the museum could rely on the expertise of Straalbedrijf Kamps, which provided the object with a historically accurate finish. From Monday 19 to Wednesday 21 May, the complete bunker — including the turret — was installed in its new location. The result is an impressive object that not only represents a line of defence, but also tells a story of reuse, remembrance, and the intertwined histories of France, Germany and Zeeland.
