Why PA75NAVO

In 2024, NATO will be 75 years old. This organization was founded after the Second World War by a number of Western countries to jointly deal with the threat from Eastern Europe.

75 years of NATO in the spotlight

The 75th anniversary of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), in Dutch: NAVO (Noord Atlantische Verdragsorganisatie), founded in April 1949, was an opportunity for the Cold War Cultural Heritage Foundation to open as many objects and museums related to the Cold War to the public as possible during the weekend of 20-21 April 2024. The event was part of the national event “Defense Heritage Weekend 2024”.

One of those locations was the “Bunker complex Dishoek” that was built in 1942 as part of the Atlantic Wall. During the Battle of the Scheldt, this complex played a very important role for Walcheren. A hospital bunker was also located within the complex. For the complete story, we would like to refer you to www.bunkerverhalen.nl (text only in Dutch).

After the Second World War, many former German bunkers were given a second life during the Cold War, including the Dishoek complex. Together with the complex in Zwanenburg, this formed the War Headquarters of the Dutch Navy. During this weekend, an explanation will be given about the post-war “reuse”.

The following topics were discussed during the weekend

  • The function as command post of the Admiral Benelux
  • The function as NATO command post Maritime Headquarters Walcheren
  • The function as group post for the Mine Lookout Service (1949 – 1974)
  • Explanation of the crypto equipment used (Enigma and Adonis KL-7)
  • Explanation of the transmitters and receivers used from the period 1951 – 1984
  • An operational amateur radio station with the call PA75NAVO
  • Explanation of emergency communication by Delta Radio Communication Support (DRCO)
  • A forest fire vehicle from the Zoutelande Fire Department and the information vehicle from Fire Safety Living (Brandveilig leven)

The activities around PA75NAVO were divided over two bunkers. In the former Hospital bunker (WW2) and later Telex telegraph exchange (OHK), a timeline was used to provide extensive explanations about the functions of the War Headquarters in Zwanenburg and Dishoek. Attention was also paid to the German de/coding machine Enigma and the Adonis KL-7 and the Mine Lookout Service (MUD).

In the former ammunition bunker and later radio transmitter room, the Special Event station PA75NAVO was set up. In addition, one could learn about contemporary emergency communication by radio amateurs and there was radio equipment on display that was used in the post-war period.

More information

Elsewhere on our website, but certainly on the internet, you can find more information about the origins and workings of NATO.

Photo: US President Harry Truman signs the bill ratifying the North Atlantic Treaty, part of the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

SOURCE PHOTO: National Archives, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

TO Wikipedia