Bombs and shells in the woods

In late 1940, the Germans begin the construction of a large munitions complex on the edge of the Loonse and Drunense Dunes, near where the former café De Efteling is now located. This ammunition complex, called MASt (Munitions Ausgabe Stelle) 8/VI), stores the ammunition for the German aircraft at Gilze-Rijen airfield. Because it is too dangerous to store ammunition in the immediate vicinity of the airfield, the Germans have chosen the wooded area between Kaatsheuvel and Loon op Zand. The supply of ammunition is easily arranged via the railroad line which has a station in Waalwijk. From there, ammunition can be transported by truck to the MASt.

On September 4, 1944, Radio Oranje broadcast a speech by Prime Minister Pieter Gerbrandy, in which he indicated that Allied troops had crossed the Dutch border. Later this all turns out to be a rumour. Meanwhile, various stories circulate that the Allies are on their way and the Netherlands will soon be liberated. On September 5, 1944, later known as “Mad Tuesday”, the entire occupied Netherlands celebrates.

The military staff at the MASt complex, are struck with fright. Alarmed by the news, they decide to leave the ammunition complex as soon as possible. To prevent the remaining ammunition from falling into the hands of the Allies, they decide to blow up the complex. Before doing so, they warn the local population of Kaatsheuvel and Loon op Zand so that they can cover their windows and doors with tape or open them to prevent glass damage from the resulting air pressure. The explosions from the MASt can be heard and seen for miles around.

Local Historical Society De Ketsheuvel placed an information panel at the Peace Monument about the history of the MASt. From there, visitors can take a circular walk, indicated by white arrows, past some remnants, such as bomb craters, bunker sites, a latrine, a machine gun nest and a trench.