Reinforcement of the German Position
Here is one of the few visible remnants of the Rur-Stellung on Dutch territory. This defense line was part of the extension of the German Westwall, which was intended to strengthen the German position in front of the Ruhr area during the front period in 1945. The Westwall ran along the Roer River, right through Melick and extended from Roermond far into Germany.
Melick in the Front Area
As early as November, Melick became the target of Allied artillery shelling and remained in the front line for more than a month. There was heavy fighting in this area. The construction of the Rur-Stellung was carried out by Eastern European and local forced laborers, under the supervision of the German occupying forces. The Todt organization, a German construction organization responsible for employing civilians as laborers, played a role.
The Preservation of the Rur-Stellung
The Rur-Stellung was constructed in late 1944 and was operational from January 29, 1944 through March 1, 1945. The trench system and some shelters are relatively well preserved and still visible. Remote sensing techniques have also revealed traces of a tank trench, for example.
The Influence of World War II
World War II had a major impact on our contemporary society. The presence of countless exploited forced laborers has left a deep impression on the way we remember and commemorate the war in this region. Exploitation remains a hot topic, think of the use of child soldiers in conflict situations and modern slavery in low-wage countries.
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