Plofsluis
A plofsluis (literally "bang lock" or "explosion lock" in Dutch) is a type of defensive structure historically used in the Netherlands, primarily during the 19th and 20th centuries, as part of the New Dutch Waterline (Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie) and other water-based defense systems. Its primary function was to rapidly inundate (flood) land in the path of an advancing enemy army, creating an impassable barrier of shallow water, canals, and flooded fields.
Unlike traditional locks used for navigation, a plofsluis was designed for destruction. It was a relatively weak structure strategically placed within a more robust dam or levee. The "plof" (bang or explosion) in the name refers to the planned, deliberate demolition of this weakened section.
The mechanism typically involved chambers beneath the sluice gate filled with explosives, usually dynamite or similar materials. When an enemy advance was imminent, these explosives would be detonated, breaching the sluice and causing the controlled release of water into the designated inundation area. The sudden influx of water would transform the landscape, rendering it unsuitable for troop movements, artillery, and supply lines.
Key characteristics of a plofsluis included:
- Strategic Placement: Positioned at crucial points in waterways or levees to control the flow of water into inundation zones.
- Sacrificial Structure: Intentionally designed as a weak point to be destroyed when necessary.
- Rapid Inundation: Focused on quickly flooding the surrounding area to create a defensive barrier.
- Explosive Activation: Relied on explosives to breach the structure and release water.
The plofsluis played a significant role in Dutch military strategy, aiming to deter invasion by leveraging the country's extensive network of waterways. While some plofsluizen have been preserved as historical monuments, most have been dismantled or incorporated into modern water management systems. The concept, however, highlights the innovative use of hydro-engineering in defense strategies.