Mont Coquerel N49 30.876 W001 18.445 Map 1310O
WN137
This battery built in 1943 was equipped with four Schnieder 105mm guns, of
French WW1 origin. They were housed in type 671 Casemates
The Casemates would have had a gun traverse of 120 degrees.
The casemates were disguised as houses with painted sides and earth pilled on
top to help disguise them as well as absorb any incoming fire. Most of the
damage caused to the casemates was caused after they were captured, when
ammunition was detonated in the gun rooms, and when the guns were removed for
scrap.
Just down the hill along side the church a small fire control post was installed
along with two smaller casemates (667 & 612) where 88 mm or 75 mm guns would
have been installed to protect the beaches from invasion.
This battery received the attention of the US navy ship Tucaloosa on D-day.
The Tucaloosa was equipped with 8 inch guns.
The battery did not surrender until the evening of June 14th after a fierce
battle.
The garrison was taken by the 3rd Battalion of the 39th Infantry.
