Cap de la Chèvre

Le cap de La Chèvre is wonderfully located geographically. It defends access to the baie de Douarnenez, with far-reaching views out to sea and the pointe du Raz. The French navy built a coastal artillery battery here, consisting of 4 recesses for 164.7 mm Model 1893/96 cannon on central pivot mount, an artillery piece under mask. A two-level gun emplacement, a 150-cm searchlight shelter and various barracks complete the structure. This position became active in 1940, but was only randomly occupied. It was not French policy to permanently maintain fortified works, which were only of interest if they had a defined wartime objective. We therefore forgot to build the elements essential to garrison life, housing, sanitary facilities etc... since the Cap de La Chèvre battery was not intended to be permanently occupied. In June 1940the Germans invaded France and occupied the battery, which they subsequently modified somewhat. The obvious lack of housing is a major asset for a garrison taking up permanent quarters. Barracks were built behind the battery. Until 1943, the battery retained its French guns, which were replaced at the end of the year or at the beginning of 1944 by 150 mm guns Krupp Tbts KC/36, 48-caliber guns firing 43 kg shells at 22,000 meters.

Le cap de La Chèvre is wonderfully located geographically. It defends access to the baie de Douarnenez, with far-reaching views out to sea and the pointe du Raz. The French navy built a coastal artillery battery here, consisting of 4 recesses for 164.7 mm Model 1893 96 cannon on central pivot mount, an artillery piece under mask. A two-level gun emplacement, a 150-cm searchlight shelter and various barracks complete the structure. This position became active in 1940, but was only randomly occupied. It was not French policy to permanently maintain fortified works, which were only of interest if they had a defined wartime objective. We therefore forgot to build the elements essential to garrison life, housing, sanitary facilities etc... since the Cap de La Chèvre battery was not intended to be permanently occupied. In June 1940the Germans invaded France and occupied the battery, which they subsequently modified somewhat. The obvious lack of housing is a major asset for a garrison taking up permanent quarters. Barracks were built behind the battery. Until 1943, the battery retained its French guns, which were replaced at the end of the year or at the beginning of 1944 by 150 mm guns Krupp Tbts KC 36, 48-caliber guns firing 43 kg shells at 22,000 meters.