Pernelle battery WN144

Observation post under a type H120 periscopic armored bell and a lookout post.

The WN-144 La Pernelle strongpoint did not worry the landing operations on June 6, 1944.

THE BATTERIES AT LA PERNELLE

At La Pernelle, two batteries, supported by three fire direction posts, are responsible for defending the Val-de-Saire coastline.

The Pernelle I battery, set up near a quarry 90 meters above sea level and facing north, controls the Barfleur coast. Equipped with six 105 mm cannons in casemates, it also has several shelters. It played no role in the D-Day landings or in the fighting to liberate the Cotentin region.

One and a half kilometers to the southwest lies the La Pernelle II battery, which was moved after losing a gun during an Allied bombardment on May 7, 1944. It consists of three modern 170 mm semi-mobile guns with a range of around 30 kilometers, set up on field emplacements 110 meters high, sheltered by hedges and undergrowth. The ammunition and food reserves would have lasted for several months. This battery, which was not equipped with measuring instruments, fired on Utah Beach on D-Day and hampered the landing operations of American troops for two weeks.

The Germans evacuated their positions at La Pernelle on June 19, after sabotaging the three mobile artillery pieces.

THE GREAT GERMAN RADAR AT LA PERNELLE. A circular railroad made it possible to orientate the radar by means of four freight cars. It was 27 metres high.

Photos Julien Garnier

Observation post under a type H120 periscopic armored bell and a lookout post.The WN-144 La Pernelle strongpoint did not worry the landing operations on June 6, 1944.THE BATTERIES AT LA PERNELLEAt La Pernelle, two batteries, supported by three fire direction posts, are responsible for defending the Val-de-Saire coastline.The Pernelle I battery, set up near a quarry 90 meters above sea level and facing north, controls the Barfleur coast. Equipped with six 105 mm cannons in casemates, it also has several shelters. It played no role in the D-Day landings or in the fighting to liberate the Cotentin region.One and a half kilometers to the southwest lies the La Pernelle II battery, which was moved after losing a gun during an Allied bombardment on May 7, 1944. It consists of three modern 170 mm semi-mobile guns with a range of around 30 kilometers, set up on field emplacements 110 meters high, sheltered by hedges and undergrowth. The ammunition and food reserves would have lasted for several months. This battery, which was not equipped with measuring instruments, fired on Utah Beach on D-Day and hampered the landing operations of American troops for two weeks.The Germans evacuated their positions at La Pernelle on June 19, after sabotaging the three mobile artillery pieces.THE GREAT GERMAN RADAR AT LA PERNELLE. A circular railroad made it possible to orientate the radar by means of four freight cars. It was 27 metres high.Photos Julien Garnier