Engelenburger Bridge

Dutch soldiers near the Engelenburgerbrug during the 1930s. They are cycling towards the Blauwpoortsplein, likely en route to the Benthien barracks on the Buiten-Walevest. Military personnel from the Army Maritime Engineer Corps were stationed here. It can be deduced from the gaiters they are wearing that they are most likely Army Martime Engineer Corps members. The “Pontonniers” were technical maritime personnel responsible for crossing waterways. They constructed bridges using pontoons and ships. The “Torpedisten” were also technical maritime personnel, involved in laying underwater obstacles and mines. They were also capable of clearing them when necessary. The garrison of the Army Maritime Engineer Corps was located in Dordrecht. This is where future Army Maritime Engineers were trained.