The Koningshooikt–Wavre Line, abbreviated to KW Line and often known as the Dyle Line after the Dijle (Dyle) river, was a 60 kilometres (37 mi)-long fortified line of defence prepared by the Belgian Army between Koningshooikt and Wavre which was intended to protect Brussels from a possible German invasion. Construction on the KW Line began in September 1939 after World War II had begun but while Belgium itself remained a neutral state. It was subsequently extended southwards from Wavre towards Namur. The line itself consisted of bunkers, anti-tank ditches, and barricades including so-called Cointet-elements and played a key role in Allied strategy during the German invasion of Belgium in May 1940. However, its role in the actual fighting was ultimately minimal. In 2009 an inventory of surviving emplacements was begun.
View of bunker H4 and the water duct used to flood the area in front of the tank barricade near the village of Haacht. This is part of the K–W line.
Pillbox at Wavre, allowing enfilading fire
Wavre is a city and municipality of Wallonia, capital of the province of Walloon Brabant, Belgium.
The church of St John the Baptist in Wavre
Rue de la Source in Wavre town centre
Town hall of Wavre
Basilica of Our Lady of Basse-Wavre