The site consisted of several large antennas on concrete bases, barracks, technical buildings and an extensive network of cables underground. Metselaar: “Next to each radar was a small building that collected all information and forwarded it to a larger installation.”
The area was heavily secured, although Dutch espionage eventually became aware of its existence. Air raids also took place, killing Luftwaffe personnel, among others.
In April 1945 the radar position came to an abrupt end. “The Germans eventually set the camp on fire themselves and left,” says Metselaar. Dutch victims were also killed, for whom a plaque was later placed in Hoogeveen.
It is striking that a planned battle for Hoogeveen ultimately did not take place. “There was actually going to be a fight, but because there were not enough German soldiers it didn’t happen. That saved Hoogeveen, because otherwise everything would probably have been bombed.” Hoogeveen was liberated a day after the camp was set on fire.
Today, little remains of the once extensive radar complex. “The pedestal is the only thing you see,” says Metselaar. However, there are still remains hidden in the ground. “There are also two feet that are still there, but that are deep underground. If you wanted to create a residential area there, you would come across them.”
At the end of April, the heavy concrete base will be moved to Barak Linde. There it remains possible to keep the story of the radar position and the war history alive for future generations.
