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.
At Wn019 – formerly Ha021 – there are several remaining bunkers including a special construction first aid station which is almost completely buried in a private garden but can be spotted thanks to the tell-tale air vents and blocked doorways at street level.
On Rue Gabriel Monod you can see a large observation post, communications bunker, and fortified entrance to an underground tunnel system, all of which have almost been covered by modern buildings.
The communications bunker can easily be spotted by the two steel doors and air vents – now all painted black – on Rue Gabriel Monod. The bunker can be accessed a few times each year as it is cared for by a local history association who run guided tours - more information can be found at www.memoire-et-patrimoine-le-havre.fr
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.