Schoppesteele - Monument

The monument De Schoppesteele stands in the dune area near De Kreek in Westkapelle.

What can you expect at De Schoppesteele?

• Impressive war memorial: De Schoppesteele is a seven-metre-high metal column. Its shape refers to the handle of a spade, with an oval form above it that resembles a bomb.
• Symbolism of bombs and spades: It commemorates the Allied bombing of the sea dyke of Westkapelle on 3 October 1944 and the period when Walcheren was flooded to drive out the German occupiers. With spades and a great deal of hard work, the breach in the dyke was later closed again.
• Reminder of Westkapelle in wartime: The monument reflects on the bombing of the sea dyke, the flooding of Walcheren and the closure of the flooded dyke breach on 2 October 1945.
• Part of five Walcheren monuments: De Schoppesteele is one of the five memorials placed in 1990 on behalf of the Monumenten Stichting Walcheren 40-45. The other monuments are located in Veere, Ritthem, Vlissingen and Middelburg.
• Artwork by Rudi van de Wint: The monument was created by artist Rudi van de Wint and unveiled on 4 October 1990. It was later restored in consultation with the artist’s heirs.
• Special place in the landscape: Because of its location near De Kreek, the dunes and the dyke, this is a peaceful place to pause and reflect on the history of Westkapelle and Walcheren.

Practical information

• Location: De Schoppesteele stands in the dune area near De Kreek in Westkapelle, close to the sea dyke.
• Visit: The monument can be viewed freely and is situated in a beautiful walking area.
• Tip: A visit to De Schoppesteele can easily be combined with a walk through Westkapelle. Many walking routes pass De Kreek, the sea dyke, the village and the lighthouses. Along the way, you not only enjoy lovely views over the coast and the hinterland, but also gain a clear sense of the role that water, dykes and wartime history have played here.

Next to the monument stands a stone with a short explanation of the Allied bombing, the flooding of Walcheren and the liberation. This makes De Schoppesteele not only a work of art, but also a quiet reminder of a profound period in the history of Westkapelle.

Furthermore Schoppesteele is near the following sights: Erika (±225 m), Zuiderhoofd (±250 m), Playground Zeedijk (±300 m), Ode aan Charley Toorop (±450 m) & Polderhuis (±500 m).

For information

Zuiderhoofdweg, Westkapelle