Varaville WN10 N49 26.742 W001 12.574 Map 1311E
Situated to the north of Utah beach, just north of the Leclerc monument.
This emplacement was numbered WN10 and WN101 in the German listings.
The new numbering system had just been introduced by D-day and German efficiency
ensured that there were two emplacements numbered WN101 on Utah beach.
This beach defense remains one of the most complete on the Atlantic Wall in
Normandy.
It comprises of a type H612 Casemate housing the dreaded 88 mm
PaK 43/41 gun, this gave fire cover over the northern sector of the beach.
To the south are two VF casemates one with a command post housing Skoda 47 mm
guns.
The gun at position WN103 covered the south flank of the beach.
These guns could take out any Allied tank unlucky enough to get into their
sights at a range of nearly 3 miles, and also inflict damage to landing craft
out to sea.
They were supported by a M19 mortar mounted in a H633 Casemate. Several Renault
tank turrets mounted on Tobruks plus an array of 50 mm machine guns.
Other bunkers include H134 and H502 used for ammunition storage and for
personnel.
