Relations between the former Allies deteriorated quickly after the Second World War. The Cold War that followed revolved to a large extent around threats and deterrence.
The major powers developed nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. At the same time, countries wanted to demonstrate that they were prepared for a possible attack.
In the Netherlands, the Bescherming Bevolking civil defence organisation was established in 1952. It was divided into regional districts. Command posts and protective facilities were created to play a role in the event of an attack. The bunkers and installations from that period are the subject of this photographic series.
Ventilation, filters and technical equipment matter at least as much here as thick walls. An underground space also needed air and had to remain usable for the people working there. The photographs show this in pipes, connections and separate technical rooms. They are practical components of preparations for a threat everyone hoped would never materialise.
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