Dutch Type B Casemate – Ba Version

1/35 Scale | Dutch WWII Fortification | 1940

A distinctive Dutch machine-gun bunker from the early days of World War II, faithfully recreated in 1/35 scale by Helmuth’s Strongholds.

Historical Background

The Dutch Type B Casemate, officially known as the Flankeerende Gewapend Betonkazemat (Flanking Reinforced Concrete Casemate), was developed by the Dutch Central Inundation and Technical Bureau (CITB). Its design was completed in June 1939 as part of the Netherlands' efforts to strengthen its defensive lines against a possible German invasion.

Unlike conventional bunkers with forward-facing embrasures, the Type B Casemate was specifically designed to provide flanking fire. Its heavy machine gun was positioned to engage enemy troops approaching along defensive lines while remaining relatively protected from direct enemy fire.

A total of 214 Type B Casemates were constructed throughout the Netherlands before the German invasion in May 1940.

These fortifications were primarily located along the Maas and IJssel defensive lines, the Peel-Raam Line and the Grebbe Line.

Construction and Defensive Features

The Type B Casemate was constructed from heavily reinforced concrete, providing substantial protection against artillery bombardment.

Technical characteristics:

• Front wall thickness: approximately 120 cm.
• Roof thickness: approximately 100 cm.
• Rear wall thickness: approximately 80 cm.
• Main armament: one heavy machine gun.
• Crew: three soldiers.
• Firing sector: generally 40 degrees.
• Protection class: W12–W15.

One of the most distinctive features of this casemate was the positioning of its machine-gun embrasure in a side wall rather than the front.

An extended concrete flanking wall provided additional protection against direct enemy fire.

The interior consisted of a single combat compartment with a rear entrance. The entrance door also featured a small rifle loophole for additional defence.

Type Ba – Standard Rear Entrance

Two principal variants of the Type B Casemate were developed: Ba and Bk.

The Type Ba, represented by this 1/35 scale model, featured a conventional rear entrance providing direct access to the combat compartment.

The alternative Type Bk was equipped with a vertical access shaft, allowing construction against or partially inside dikes and defensive embankments.

Helmuth’s Strongholds – 1/35 Scale Model

Recreate an important piece of Dutch military history with this detailed Type B Casemate, Ba version.

The model represents the standard rear-entrance configuration and consists of 4 ceramic components.

Its characteristic reinforced-concrete construction, protected machine-gun embrasure and distinctive flanking wall make it an excellent addition to historical dioramas.

Product Specifications

Product: Dutch Type B Casemate – Ba Version
Scale: 1/35
Material: Ceramic
Number of components: 4
Historical period: 1939–1940
Country: The Netherlands
Fortification type: Flanking machine-gun casemate
Version: Type Ba – Standard Rear Entrance

What's in the Box?

The kit contains:

• 4 ceramic components forming the Type B Casemate (Ba version).

Perfect for Historical Dioramas

This model is particularly suitable for recreating:

• The Battle of the Netherlands – May 1940.
• Dutch Army defensive positions.
• The Maas and IJssel defensive lines.
• The Peel-Raam defensive line.
• The Grebbe Line.
• Early World War II military dioramas.

Whether displayed as a standalone fortification or integrated into a larger defensive landscape, this model offers a fascinating subject for military modellers and collectors interested in Dutch fortifications.

Bring the Dutch defensive battles of May 1940 to life with Helmuth’s Strongholds.

(source Wikipedia)