"Hitler’s Flak Towers Were Anti-Aircraft Castles" Topic

"What happens when you combine Nazi propaganda, brutalist architecture and practical national security problems? You get chunky, concrete buildings that last for decades as symbols of war.

Flak towers were one of the Third Reich's answers to Allied air attacks during World War II. These absolutely massive towers sheltered anti-aircraft guns in German cities—and protected their ammunition from falling bombs.

Several of these beasts are still standing today in Germany and Austria. Huge amounts of reinforced concrete in the towers—some have walls 11-feet thick—complicated efforts to demolish them after the war.

The remaining towers pose something of a dilemma…"
Full article here
link

Amicalement
Armand

Interesting article. One of the Berlin towers, Zoo I think, was used to store looted art treasures during the last days. A fire inside the tower, probably accidental, destroyed thousands of pieces of art work. It was one of the sadder parts of the "Rape of Europa." link

Jim

Glad you enjoyed the article my friend!
Thanks for the link! (smile)

Amicalement
Armand

Hi Tango. Welcome "Home!", we missed you.

As similar but smaller complex of structures can be found in Cape May, NJ (Eastern shore of USA). It is an anti-shipping emplacement (Battery 223) from the early WWII years (1942-43). There is a bunker for 2 6" quick fire guns plus some towers for spotting, range finding, fire control, etc. There were a number of these sites built during the war to protect ports and river openings.

The bunker has been beaten up by some severe hurricane surges but they keep holding it together. I believe only two of the original towers remain. One is being renovated as a tourist attraction. The other is the centerpiece for a shore-side hotel that was built around it.

I had family living in the area and visited and vacationed there often as a youngster. Went back several times as an adult but have not been there since Hurricane Sandy tore through the area a few years back.

Thanks for your welcome and data my friend!. (smile)

Amicalement
Armand