The viaduct was
protected by an air observation post on the highest point in
the area. To conceal the bridge against attack, a 'Nebel-Kompanie'
with smoke generators was stationed two miles north east of the
viaduct in a field near the River Aa.
A 20mm flak gun
battery manned by 24 teenage boys was set up on the slope above
the viaduct and a Vierling cannon was on the viaduct itself.
The young crews for these weapons were billeted in nearby huts.