By setting up mock airports, the Germans want to tempt enemy pilots to drop their bombs there, instead of on the real target. It was the intention that the Allied pilots mistook De Kiek for the real airport Gilze-Rijen. Mock airfields were also drop points for unthrown bombs. Landing with bombs was too dangerous. Sometimes they were also training grounds. In the bunker at De Kiek you will even find a few real practice bombs!

The Germans used lighting to lure the English planes at night. As soon as the English were near, the runway lights were turned on to attract attention. Flares were also fired. The English were very quickly aware of the mock airfields and what they were intended for. Nevertheless, some English crews were still misled, despite improved navigational techniques.

Living near an airport in wartime is dangerous. But even in the vicinity of a fake airport, it is of course anything but safe. The Allies were indeed misled and tried to bomb the airfield. Three inhabitants of Brakel were killed in a bombing raid on 20 October 1943.

The book Fake airfield de Kiek in story and image by Bart Beex shows what role fake airfields played during the Second World War. In his search for De Kiek's past, Bart was helped by plot owners Cees and Wim van Gorp, those of 'Jaon van Willekes', and by Jan van Eijck, originally from Alphenaar and an expert on history. The local collective memory was also addressed. The result is a publication full of facts, interesting facts, (aerial) photos and eyewitness accounts. Definitely worth reading!

The books are for sale for 20 euros. You can send an email to info@schijnvliegvelddekiek.nl to order or pick up. The books are also for sale during forest days and events.