Kazemattenmuseum acquires original Kromhout generator

The Kazemattenmuseum has acquired an original Kromhout diesel generator, restoring a piece of history to the Kornwerderzand fortification. During the construction of the Kornwerderzand position, five such generators from the Amsterdam-based Kromhout factory were installed in dedicated casemates to provide emergency power in the event of bombings or power failures.

While all original generators disappeared from the site after the war, a volunteer and marine engineer, Henk van der Velde, discovered a matching model at a marine engine dealer two years ago. The engine had a varied history, having been used in a water utility pumping station in Groningen, a pusher boat in Lemmer, and eventually a yacht shipyard in Loosdrecht.

The museum board purchased the engine, which is now being prepared for display after a year of restoration work.