In response to the growing number of Allied bombing raids, Nazi Germany developed flying bombs as retaliation weapons, known as the V-1 and V-2. These were launched at Allied targets from various locations, including several sites in Almelo. In the Nijreesbos forest, two such launch ramps were built: one on the west side of the Oude Deldenseweg, and another at Tusveld. They were constructed by Italian forced laborers. The areas were both easily accessible and well camouflaged.
The bombs were manufactured in Germany and transported to the launch sites in Twente by train and truck.
The launch ramp at Oude Deldenseweg became operational in February 1945. The ramp at Tusveld was never used. Even at the operational site, several launches failed due to technical malfunctions, and some bombs crashed in Overijssel, tragically causing civilian casualties.
The last launch occurred on March 30, 1945. On April 3, German troops destroyed the launch site — just one day before Almelo was liberated.