Could Nazi Bunkers Potentially Gain Protected Historical Status?
Taking a Look at Potential Monument Protection for Rechlin's Remaining Wartime Sites
It seems the former aircraft testing site in the wooded region close to Qualzow might soon receive monument protection status, as an evaluation of four specific objects for inclusion in the Mecklenburg Lake District's monument list is currently underway. These objects include a bomb drop zone right at the edge of Qualzow, a portion of the autobahn, the White Houses, and a bunker.
This movement was started by a citizens' petition, with local resident Thomas Linn of Qualzow submitting an application to the lower monument protection authority of the district for an assessment of the objects' monument worthiness, and also reaching out to the State Office for Culture and Heritage Preservation in Schwerin regarding the matter. The state office believes that the structures hold significant historical value.
In Linn's opinion, these remaining traces of the testing site should serve as a memorial, honoring the victims of an oppressive system that demonstrated disregard for human life. By demanding monument protection, his aim is not to preserve Nazi architecture, but rather to ensure that the memory of a system that operated through forced labor and resettlement remain fresh.
The four objects are representative of National Socialist rearmament policy, a part of history marked by widespread crimes and suffering across Europe. As stated by the state office, "this history is intrinsic to the region, and there is a historical responsibility to highlight it."
From 1926 to 1945, a central aircraft testing track was located in and around Rechlin. Following the National Socialists' rise to power in 1933, the facilities expanded drastically for Luftwaffe tests, with the plate, bunker, and autobahn segment being used for bomb and air torpedo tests.
When Linn moved to the village 20 years ago, locals shared the historical background of the village with him. He, having experience as a project manager for technical building equipment and having worked extensively in museums, was often confronted with issues related to monument protection.
In Qualzow, the village church was dismantled in 1936 but its foundations can still be seen on the cemetery, albeit covered by grass. Linn has also petitioned for the foundation's monument protection.
Even though the Schwerin State Office for Monument Preservation asked the county to register the objects in the monument list in January 2022, the county's initiative remains slow. As of now, it can only be reported that "the monument law procedure is ongoing," with no timeline provided.
The Rechlin aviation technical museum's support association, led by chairman Torsten Heinrichs, supports the idea of monument protection for the remaining Rechlin buildings. The museum currently resides in "historically burdened" buildings like the former main guardhouse of the test site and the motor pool of the command. Previously, attempts to secure monument protection for these buildings had resulted in failure.
A proposed tower construction project on Qualzow's bomb drop plate acted as a catalyst, leading to renewed discussions. Fortunately, these plans have recently been abandoned.
For those interested in obtaining the most up-to-date information, reaching out directly to the Landesdenkmalamt Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and consulting their online listings might be the best course of action. Details such as parcel numbers or structure names may help facilitate a more precise response. Local historical societies and preservation groups can also provide additional insights or ongoing projects related to this site.
- The movement to protect Rechlin's remaining wartime sites, initiated by Thomas Linn, is part of a larger discussion surrounding politics, as it aims to shed light on the historical significance of war-and-conflicts and general-news events, such as the use of these sites for bomb and air torpedo tests during National Socialist rearmament policy.
- The proposed monument protection for the bomb drop zone, autobahn segment, White Houses, and bunker in Rechlin, which were used for tests during the Nazi era, is not just about preserving architecture, but also about honoring victims and memorializing a system that operated through forced labor and resettlement, thereby contributing to the discourse on war-and-conflicts and politics.
