It was unusual for the German forces who took control of France to cause damage to religious buildings but the tower of Saint Martin’s church at Rethoville seems to have been made an exception.
Located on the highest ground in this low-lying area, the top of the tower was remodelled by the Germans with the original, ornate granite balustrade section being covered over with a layer of concrete. This would offer more protection to soldiers positioned here.
This high position was used as an observation post for the artillery batteries located along the section of coastline here, including the Neville Blankenese batterie which stands a few kilometres in front of the location and nearby Rethoville Plage bunker and searchlight site.