Combat Bunker no. 75 in Kochłowice

Combat Bunker no. 75 in Kochłowice is a concrete structure of 1937, part of the fortifications of the Silesia Fortified Area (Rejon Umocniony "Śląsk") running along the border with Germany. Today it houses an exhibition devoted to the Second World War.

What the bunker was for

The bunker belonged to the Kłodnica Fortified Group. It was built in 1937, and the observation cupola was added in 1938. It is classed as class D, that is a heavy bunker. The roof is 1.4 metres thick and the walls from 1 to 1.75 metres, and the structure was meant to withstand shelling with shells up to 220 mm calibre. The garrison numbered about 15 soldiers, and the bunker has four firing positions. The original armament was three heavy machine guns and two or three light machine guns. The original double-leaf armoured doors have survived.

Restoration and the exhibition

In 2008 history enthusiasts restored the bunker. Inside, an exhibition on the Second World War was set up, with replicas of weapons, including a replica of the wz. 30 heavy machine gun. Barbed-wire entanglements were also recreated and battlefield sound effects added. Since 2012 the site has been looked after by the association "Genius Loci - Duch Miejsca" (Spirit of Place), which opens it several times a year during historical events.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Pomorska in Ruda Śląska-Kochłowice, on the grounds of the "Nadzieja" allotment gardens; there is a car park.
• The bunker is open to visitors only several times a year; check the dates with the association before your visit.