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Longues-sur-Mer Battery

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description Longues-sur-Mer Battery Overview

The Longues-sur-Mer battery is a German coastal artillery position built in Normandy as part of the Atlantic Wall during World War II. Located between the landing areas later designated Gold and Omaha, it retained several reinforced concrete gun casemates and fired on Allied naval forces during the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944. British troops captured the position the following day, and its surviving structures are now a historic site.

help Longues-sur-Mer Battery FAQ

What ships did the Longues-sur-Mer battery fire on during D-Day?

The battery engaged several Allied warships on June 6, 1944, including the USS Arkansas and the French cruiser Georges Leygues. The intense naval bombardment eventually silenced the German guns, and the site was captured by British forces later that day.

Can you still see the original artillery at the Longues-sur-Mer battery today?

Yes, visitors to the Normandy site can still see one of the original 155mm naval guns resting in its heavily damaged casemate. It is one of the few coastal defense batteries along the D-Day invasion beaches where the actual artillery pieces remain in place.

How far inland was the Longues-sur-Mer battery positioned from the cliffs?

The fortification was positioned roughly one kilometer inland from the cliff edge to protect it from direct naval bombardment. However, its elevated position still allowed its four guns to easily fire across the Omaha and Gold landing beaches.

What specific caliber of weapons were installed at the Longues-sur-Mer battery?

The site was equipped with four 155mm K418(f) naval guns that had an effective firing range of about 20 kilometers. These heavy cannons were housed in massive concrete casemates designed to withstand direct aerial and naval bombings.

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