Activating PB6BB
Read here about the activation of the Civil Defence shelter in the dunes of Westenschouwen.
Civil Defence shelter on unique location
During the yearly Dutch Open Monumentsday on the second saturday of september the former Civil Defence shelter near Westenschouwen village will be activated with the callsign PB6BB. We do this from the year 2018 on.
The shelter was build in 1968 during the Cold War. It’s purpose was to offer a hidingplace for 3 Civil Defence volunteers. These men (woman were not allowed) would, in case “The Russians” dropped a nuclear bomb at The Netherlands, conduct measurements on top of the neighbouring tower to determine the spread of fall-out.
The three men were supposed to be able to stay a maximum of three days in the underground shelter until the fall out would have been precipitated. The shelter is situated in an area of dunes, 25 meters above sealevel. The accompanying tower lays about 40 meters above sealevel.
The Civil Defence shelter was, besides regular excercises, fortunately never on active duty.
The Special Event Station is each year activated by Wijnand PA3HFJ, Robert PA3GEO and Karin PA2KM and active on HF and 2 meters. Tours in the shelter are organised by the trustee, Dan PA1FZH and Paul “PC”. A special QSL-card will be sent via bureau. On this day there are several Dutch fortesses and other defensive buildings on the air!
Inside the shelter.
The shelter was build in 1968 and only measures about 4 by 2 meters, so there was not a lot of room to accomodate the three men it should protect.
