The Peel-Raam Line (Dutch: Peel-Raamstelling) was a Dutch defensive line established in the 1930s, primarily in preparation for potential conflicts leading up to World War II. Its purpose was to provide a line of defense against a German invasion. The line ran along natural and artificial barriers, including the Peel marshlands and the Raam river. This terrain was chosen because it was naturally difficult for enemy troops and vehicles to traverse.
With the increasing likelihood of war, the Dutch army reinforced the line by building anti-tank obstacles, bunkers, trenches, and other defensive positions. The small bunkers, or "pillboxes", were made of reinforced concrete and were intended to hold machine guns.
The Peel-Raam Line was a weak line with shortcomings and was quickly overrun during the German Invasion on 10 May 1940. The line held for only about 24 hours before being abandoned by Dutch forces, who retreated westward to the more fortified Grebbe Line.
- Peel-Raam Line via: en.wikipedia.org