Welcome to the Longues-sur-Mer battery, a powerful reminder of the immense historical events that unfolded here during World War II. Perched on a 60-meter cliff overlooking the Baie de Seine in Normandy, France, this German coastal artillery battery was an integral part of the Atlantic Wall—a formidable line of defense intended to repel the anticipated Allied invasion.
The battery was constructed by Organisation Todt, the engineering arm of the Nazi regime, between September 1943 and April 1944. Its strategic location placed it between the landing sectors of Gold Beach and Omaha Beach, making it a significant target during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944.
On the eve of D-Day, the battery was manned by 184 soldiers and equipped with four 15 cm naval guns, each housed within robust concrete casemates. These guns could fire shells up to 20 kilometers away, posing a serious threat to the invading Allied naval forces.
As the Allied fleets approached on D-Day, the guns of Longues-sur-Mer opened fire, targeting ships off Gold and Omaha beaches. However, the Allied forces responded with intense bombardment from sea and air, which damaged the battery and severed its communication lines. Despite these efforts to silence it, the battery continued to fire intermittently throughout the day.
By June 7, 1944, British ground forces had captured the site, effectively neutralizing its threat. The battery’s guns fell silent, and it played no further role in the Normandy campaign. Remarkably, it remains one of the few sites in Normandy where you can still see the original guns in their casemates, offering an authentic glimpse into the past.
Listed as a historical monument in 2001, the Longues-sur-Mer battery stands today as a poignant symbol of the fierce battles that took place during the liberation of Europe. As you explore the site, imagine the tension and bravery of the soldiers who fought here, and reflect on the broader historical context of the D-Day landings, a decisive turning point in World War II.
