Lampermej was a significant Dutch military post in the southern section of the geconcentreerde stelling (concentrated position) in Groot-Atjeh. The post had existed before the concentration and was rebuilt and relocated as part of the new defensive system in 1885.
Location
Lampermej was situated on the southern approaches to Kota-Radja, positioned along the main routes extending southward. The location was strategically important for covering the southern sector of the defensive perimeter.
Military Significance
Pre-Concentration Era
Lampermej was one of the existing posts maintained before the concentration decision of 1884. The post was located on the left bank of the Atjeh-rivier and served as a key point on the communication line.
Role in the Concentration
Lampermej was retained in the new geconcentreerde stelling but was relocated from the left to the right bank of the Atjeh-rivier.
Fortification (1885)
Lampermej was:
Type: A major post with 150-man Infantry garrison Armament: 2 × 12cm breech-loading guns and 1 Coehoorn mortar Construction: Completely rebuilt and relocated
The relocation to the right bank improved the tactical position and connections to the rest of the line.
Infrastructure Connections
The post was connected to:
- The ceintuurtram (girdle tramway) system
- The bridge over the Atjeh-rivier (nearly completed by March 1885)
- Roempit to the north
- Siroen and Lambaroe to the east
- Routes to the southern interior
Significance
Lampermej’s relocation and rebuilding demonstrated the systematic approach to the concentration. The post was one of the most important on the southern section, and its improved position enhanced the overall defensive capability.
Account from Verstege’s Een beroep op het Nederlandsche volk (1886)
Verstege records: Lampermej was one of the eighteen posts of the line of 1885; it harboured the tramway bridge near which luitenant Tuinenburg was wounded; and in two nights of 1885 — 12-13 and 20-21 September — the tramway near Lampermej was dug out by the enemy, the first time leaving the rails hanging in the air (fortunately discovered in time, with the enemy in ambush), the second time damaging again and destroying the telephone connection (see Guerilla raids inside the concentration line (1885)).
See Also
- Geconcentreerde Stelling
- Atjeh-rivier
- Kota-Radja
- Completion of the Concentrated Position (March 1885)
- Aceh War
Source
De Geconcentreerde Stelling in Groot-Atjeh, ‘s-Gravenhage: De Gebroeders Van Cleef, 1885, pp. 17–19, 21.
Een beroep op het Nederlandsche volk in zake het Atjeh-vraagstuk, door J. J. W. E. Verstege (Amsterdam: J. H. de Bussy, 1886), pp. 81, 109. OCR: DLP-158.