Introduction
Situated 3 miles west of Arromanches the four massive 20 tonne ex-Czechoslovakian naval guns of circa 1911 manufacture were each housed in a reinforced 2500 tonne concrete casemate and could easily concentrate fire onto Omaha and Gold Beaches. Each gun could fire a 100lb shell distance of nearly 13 miles at a maximum rate of six rounds per minute. The battery also comprised machine and mortar "Tobruk" pit positions protected by a substantial minefield and anti-aircraft guns. The defending troops did not realise that they were centrally located in the invasion zone until a massive aerial bombardment on the night of June 5th alerted them, shortly followed by the sight of several thousands of ships of all shapes and sizes looming out of the early morning light and coming straight towards them.
In many respects the battle of exactly what happened to this Battery still rages today. Substantial damage is evident to casemates nos 3 and 4, and there are at least two differing versions of how the damage was caused and what part each played during the battle. However, it is known that the battery fell silent on the evening of June 6th and was captured on June 7th.
What Can Be Seen Today?
The approach by car takes us to the eastern edge of the Battery from where a five minute talk is given on Hitler’s Atlantic Wall defenses before we enter the site. You will see close at hand the massive destruction to the first Casemate and gun (No4 casemate) and presented with two alternative versions of what happened to cause it. A two minute walk takes us to the second casemate (No3) which shows evidence of either two separate hits, or perhaps one – your call! Thereafter we take a 20 minute walk viewing on the way original and explicit 1942 graffiti to reach the fire control bunker, from where the famous “The Longest Day” scene of Major Werner Pluskat looking out towards the invading armada was filmed in 1963.
Private Transfer from London by Air
Short on timer or prefer to fly?
D-Day Airtours will take you on an insightful one-day tour by air of the landing beaches and other D-Day sites. Pick up from Central London (or other areas by arrangement) in the morning, flying to Carpiquet airport, Caen from Oxford, and return by mid-evening of the same day.
Alternatively, for an even shorter visit, take a flying tour over the area with guided commentary.
Either way your tour is delivered by a professional English guide experienced and knowledgeable in the D-Day landings.
Whether you are from America, Canada or Britain you will be provided with detailed information about your country's role in the landings.
Please feel free to contact us for more detailed information - click to contact us.
If you are looking for a longer, much more in-depth trip by car and on foot, then please see our alternate site offering this at www.d-dayairtours.com.
