Antwerpen14-18_Antwerp builds bridges ENG

The Pontoon Bridge as a supply line
The bridges across the River Scheldt have to ensure rapid
troop movements, the transport of materials and supplies
between the two river banks. The construction is
done by specially trained pontoon workers of the Belgian
army. They are engineer corps soldiers with combat training.
They are responsible for the construction of bridges,
for maintenance and repairs, for monitoring, for opening
and closing of bridges, for the maintenance of the railway
bridge in Temse and the few ships that cross the River
Scheldt, for monitoring the Scheldt and should the need
arise, for the destruction of the bridges.
The military control of the bridge and the River Scheldt
The pontoon bridge is closely guarded. The military
authorities are weary of sabotage and want to keep an
eye on people entering or leaving the city.
• The technical guard (two sergeants, two corporals and
35 to 40 soldiers) ensures the proper functioning and
maintenance of the bridge.
• The army guards the approaches to the bridge and
runs call duties. The bridge at Steen Castle is guarded
by infantry units and the other bridges by the pontoon
soldiers themselves.
• The river guard has two boats at anchor upstream
and downstream. During the day they hoist the flag,
lighting the lanterns at night. They monitor upstream
traffic with a motor boat and downstream with a tug.
• Along the river banks patrols walk up and down
continuously.
• To prevent the bridges from being blown up by the
Germans using floating mines, armed motor boats
guard the River Scheldt at all times.
There are two fire brigade cars ready to extinguish fires at
each bridge.
The bridge is narrow, the ramps steep
The narrow bridge can be used in one direction only. It is
three meters wide, has a carriageway of 1.80 meters, and
an an adjacent path for pedestrians. To determine which
direction is needed, the guards keep in touch with one
another by telephone.
Crossing the bridge is subject to strict rules.
• Vehicles that are too heavy have to be unloaded first.
The load is then divided or remains on the quays.
• Some vehicles are too wide and cannot cross.
• Foot soldiers have to step out of cadence to reduce
the thunder of their steps.
• Soldiers and officers on horseback have to dismount
and cross the bridge in pairs.
• Artillery has to be rolled across at a walking pace.
• Cars have to drive slowly, maintaining a safe distance
from one another.
• Soldiers are given priority, but citizens can also use the
bridge.
6