Temporary emergency bridge in Belgium, Sept 1939

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Temporary emergency bridge in Belgium, Sept 1939

Temporary emergency bridge constructed in Belgium in case of a German invasion. The bridge is supported by five barges which function as pontoons and reflects wider measures being taken after the outbreak of war to protect Belgian neutrality. Date: 1939

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Media ID 23269128

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Barge Barges Belgian Bridges Crossing Crossings Emergency Invasion Jul19 Neutral Neutrality Outbreak Pontoon Pontoons Temporary

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the temporary emergency bridge constructed in Belgium in September 1939, as the country braced for the imminent threat of German invasion. The bridge, which spans a wide body of water, is supported by five barges that function as pontoons. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the wider measures taken by the Belgian authorities to protect their neutrality in the face of the outbreak of World War II. As tensions escalated in Europe during the late 1930s, the possibility of a German invasion of Belgium loomed large. In response, the Belgian military and civilian authorities began constructing a series of temporary bridges to ensure the continued movement of troops and supplies across the country's waterways. The use of barges as pontoons was a practical solution to the lack of time and resources to build more permanent structures. The photograph was taken in September 1939, just days before the German army invaded Belgium on the 10th of that month. The bridge in the image remained in use for several weeks, providing a vital link between the two sides of the waterway and enabling the Belgian forces to maintain their defensive positions. The image also serves as a powerful reminder of the wider geopolitical context of the time. The outbreak of World War II marked the beginning of a dark and tumultuous period in European history, one that would see the continent plunged into conflict for six long years. The temporary emergency bridge in this photograph is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Belgian people in the face of adversity, and a reminder of the sacrifices made to protect their country's neutrality.

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