Command Bunker 370 – Strategic Fortification in the Hürtgen Forest

The command bunker, Regelbau 31 type, bearing tactical number 370, is located on Burgberg hill in the Hürtgenwald-Bergstein region. Built in 1938 as part of Nazi Germany’s extensive fortification system known as the Westwall (Siegfried Line), it occupied a strategically vital position in Regiment Sector No. 8.

The bunker was constructed as part of the “Limes” building program (1938/39), which included various reinforced concrete fortifications. Two bunkers were built on Burgberg – the command post Regelbau 31 (No. 370) and the infantry group shelter Regelbau 10a (No. 371). Both structures had “B old” classification, featuring walls and ceilings 1.5 meters thick.

360° view:

Structure and Purpose of Regelbau 31

The Regelbau 31 bunker has a rectangular footprint of approximately 7.50 by 20.00 meters and comprises eight clearly defined rooms, designed to accommodate a crew of 32 men, each serving specific functions:

F: Gas Locks – positioned immediately behind the entrances, protecting against chemical attacks and serving as the first line of defense.

G: Main Airlock – provides additional protection against explosions and shrapnel during an assault.

A: Commander’s Room – operational hub where the commander and deputy coordinated all activities, featuring defensive firing slits.

B: Officers’ Room – adjacent to the commander’s room, designed for nine officers, with increased comfort provided by foldable bunk beds.

C: Administration Room – registration and control point for all entries and exits, also functioning as a guard post with gas-tight ventilation.

D: Communications Room – managed incoming reports from other nearby fortifications; served as nighttime accommodation for nine soldiers.

E: Signals Room – equipped with advanced communication technology, linked via underground cables to the Westwall and Reich telephone networks, and included an emergency exit.
As a command post, Regelbau 31 lacked external combat positions and was solely intended for operational command and troop coordination.

C: Schreibstube – Kontrollpunkt für Ein- und Austritte, diente auch als Wachraum mit gasdichter Lüftungsanlage.

D: Melderraum – hier wurden alle eingehenden Meldungen verarbeitet. Nachts Unterkunft für neun Soldaten.

E: Nachrichtenraum – ausgestattet mit modernster Kommunikationstechnik, verbunden mit dem Westwall- und Reichstelefonnetz, inklusive Notausgang.

Galerie:

Role of Bunker 370 during the Battle of Hürtgen Forest

During the intense fighting in the autumn of 1944, known as the “All Souls’ Day Battle” (Allerseelenschlacht), the bunker played a critical role. The German command coordinated defensive measures, directed artillery strikes, and processed battle information from here. Despite its robust construction, the bunker could not offer direct resistance due to the absence of external combat positions.

After the fierce battles and subsequent Allied advances, Regelbau 31 was demolished and abandoned. Today, its ruins serve as a historical reminder of war’s devastation and the importance of preserving historical heritage.

Visiting the site is not recommended due to sharp metallic debris and injury risks. Should you still choose to visit, proceed with extreme caution and carry a flashlight.

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