5. Bezard compass 14 R.A

This beautiful Bézard compass was manufactured for use by the pre-war Dutch army. Designated for Dutch use as Compass Model 1922, it features several distinct markings. To start, it is stamped with unit identification. The top of the compass is marked 14 RA, which stands for the 14th Artillery Regiment, and the reverse side is also stamped 14 R.A., indicating that the compass was issued to this regiment for use within the unit. It also carries a serial number: 549. Finally, the compass bears both D.V.D. and D.V.O. markings. The top shows the D.V.D. stamp, which stands for the Department of Defense, while the reverse bears the stamped D.V.O., meaning the Department of War. These markings reveal when the compass was likely produced. Compasses made before 1928 were marked with D.V.O., and those after 1928 with D.V.D.. Because this compass carries both stamps, it was manufactured at least before 1928. ¹

During the mobilization period, the 14th Artillery Regiment was stationed in Tul en ’t Waal, but later part of the regiment relocated to Dubbeldam. The 3rd Battalion (III-14 R.A.) took up positions near the Zeedijk, where, using three batteries of 12- long steel guns, it was able to provide fire support for the Moerdijk bridgehead. At the time, the positions were manned only by a few sentry posts when, in the early morning of May 10, 1940, German paratroopers from Fallschirmjäger Regiment 1 landed almost directly on top of the gun emplacements. The artillery pieces were quickly captured by the Germans. The troops of III-14 R.A. then launched several counterattacks toward the Zeedijk in an effort to recapture the guns. Many officers of III-14 R.A. were wounded during these engagements. It was only on May 11 that some of the artillery pieces were successfully retaken.

Below you will find the photos of the compass.

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