The Normandy port city of Le Havre – on the mouth of the River Seine – was classified as a ‘Festung’ or fortress city due to the level of defences created by German forces following its occupation.
As well as fortifying existing French forts and defensive sites, dozens of new German sites were created along the clifftop coastline, surrounding the port, and in the city itself.
Many of these have disappeared under the expansion of the city but there are a still a few remnants to be found around the port, although not all are accessible any more.
Wn015 was one of the most extensive sites in the area, although the batterie is now difficult to access due to some elements standing inside an area of redevelopment and also their proximity of the buildings to the crumbling cliffs.
Here you can find the remains of two huge R688 casemates which housed 17cm artillery pieces plus three Vf7a ammunition bunkers, personnel shelters, defensive Tobruks, and a water reservoir. A R655 building once supported a 60cm searchlight which was used as an aid for anti-aircraft guns.
Le Havre was subject to Allied bombing raids throughout the war, but it was the full spectrum assault of Operation Astonia where air, sea, and land-based attacks of September 10, 11, and 12 which finally saw the city and its vital port liberated by British and Canadian forces.
Around 11,300 German troops are reported to have been captured on September 12, but it would take until October 9 for the port facility to be cleared for Allied use in landing men and materiel for the liberation of Europe.