Franceville StP05 Map 1612 OT N49
16.923 W000 13.266
StP05
One of the most interesting beach defense sites in Normandy, it has a very
curious selection of bunkers not normally found in large quantities in Normandy.
It defends the eastern flank of the entrance to the port of Ouistreham which
leads to the Caen canal.
The whole site seems to be grouped around an old French fort, built in 1779. The
Germans have mounted a tank turret on top of the old fort.
There is also another bunker in the heart of the fort.
The main guns were 3 x 47 mm Skoda guns, two in type H506 casemates, one of
which has an well preserved anti tank wall alongside.
A type H612 gave enfilade fire across the estuary.
Two fire control posts are also close by and the real gem is a gun garage type
H504 which included crew quarters.
There are also many small bunkers littered across the site.
Unfortunately all of the entrances to the bunkers have been bricked up, possibly
to discourage campers.
