Re303 Batterie 'Graf Spee' M.K.B.

BATTERIE · K.V.Gruppe Saint Renan · AOK 7 Brittany · France

Re303 Batterie 'Graf Spee' M.K.B.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

The deep water port of Brest was large enough to receive battle ships like the Tirpitz. Also a U-boat pen was constructed inside the harbour. That meant that the whole area around the entrance to the Rade de Brest had to be defended. 5./MAA 262. Batterie Marine Kusten Artillery 'Graff Spee'

30 September 2013

After the attack on the lock gate at St Nazaire the defence in the area was again increased. A batterie of four 28.0cm SKL/40 guns were placed in three open emplacements and one in a large casemate. These guns were targeted from a very large fire control post (PDT).
After the attack on the lock gate at St Nazaire the defence in the area was again increased. A batterie of four 28.0cm SKL/40 guns were placed in three open emplacements and one in a large casemate. These guns were targeted from a very large fire control post (PDT).
One of the 28.0cm guns.
One of the 28.0cm guns.
S414 Fire Control Post [PDT]
S414 Fire Control Post [PDT]

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
 

Google

Plan of the battery.
Plan of the battery.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

We parked behind Turm 3 and walked in an anti-clockwise direction.

5./MAA 262. 3 x Geschützstellung [Gun emplacements].

1 x SK/Schartenstand [Pivot stand].

4 x 28cm SK L/40.

3 x M151's crew bunkers.

1 x R622/SK twin group bunker.

1 x R639 large dressing station.

1 x R646 casemate for medium guns of 10.5cm.

2 x R621 group shelter.

2 x L409 emplacement for a 3.7cm Flak.

5 x Small SK/Munitions bunkers.

2 x SK/Munitions bunker.

4 x Welblech Munitions bunkers.

1 x SK/Nachrichten (radio room).

1 x Vf/Flakstellung

3 x 7.62cm F.K.391(r).

6 x 7.5cm Flak M32/36(f)

2 x 3.7cm CAD S.K.M35(f)

2 x 2cm Flak28.

2 x 2cm Flak38.

2 x 2.5cm Pak112(f).

30 September 2013

R639 large dressing station.
R639 large dressing station.
R622 group bunker.
R622 group bunker.
2cm Flak28.
2cm Flak28.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Details.

Report on Selected German Coastal Batteries in France, May 1946

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Plan Oct 1942 A very interesting plan of the battery in its original form with four open emplacements and two towers which could be a sort of scaffolding fire control post before the S414 was built. Possibly assembled plan from information from the French underground.

Martian Report

Scaffold fire control post.
Scaffold fire control post.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Plan Oct 1946 Post war.

DEFE44/98 Jib report on selected German coastal batteries in west France.

A scaffold fire control post.
A scaffold fire control post.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
DEFE44/98 Jib report on selected German coastal batteries in west France

DEFE44/98 Jib report on selected German coastal batteries in west France

Gun barrel arriving..
Gun barrel arriving..
Ammunition trolley by the gun..
Ammunition trolley by the gun..

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
DEFE44/98 Jib report on selected German coastal batteries in west France

DEFE44/98 Jib report on selected German coastal batteries in west France

Left the SK/Schartenstand with its small ammunition room and right the above ammunition room with its associated open emplacement.
Left the SK/Schartenstand with its small ammunition room and right the above ammunition room with its associated open emplacement.
Building in progress..
Building in progress..

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
First ammunition bunker. Each emplacement had two of these small SK ammunition bunkers.

25 November 2009

The casemate Turm3 and ringstand Turm4 and three SK small ammunition stores..
The casemate Turm3 and ringstand Turm4 and three SK small ammunition stores..
An air photo.
An air photo.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
SK/Schartenstand a casemate with a swivel/pivot gun mounting. Turm 3. A casemate and two ammunition bunkers each side.

25 November 2009

SK/Schartenstand Turm 3.
SK/Schartenstand Turm 3.
Both ammunition rooms can be seen on the main picture..
Both ammunition rooms can be seen on the main picture..
Inside Turm 3's SK ammunition storage room.
Inside Turm 3's SK ammunition storage room.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
The Second Ammunition Bunker. Each gun had two of these small ammunition bunkers or SK ammunition storage, just a concrete cube to hold shells in one and powder in the other. Hitler ordered all guns to be casemated. This battery was in the process of having the emplacements casemated. The three other ringstands had the foundations and the steel in place for the floor when the area was captured by the Americans.

25 November 2009

28cm ammunition.
28cm ammunition.
Powder magazine.
Powder magazine.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

The ammunition bunker just behind the casemate.

NARA

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Ammunition Bunker. We could not get inside these three.

25 November 2009

Possibly an 729p3 double armoured door.
Possibly an 729p3 double armoured door.
Inside Turm1 SK/ammunition storage room.
Inside Turm1 SK/ammunition storage room.
History : after the capitulation of France in 1940, Brest became an important U-boat base. A large concrete bunker kept the U-boats safe from bombing. The Kriegsmarine needed defence against attack from the sea and this and several other gun batteries were laid out strategically around the port. As bombing increased the open emplacements needed aerial protection and casemates were starting to be built over the guns. This one an SK type ("SK" bunker = (Sonder Konstruction) Special Construction.
History : after the capitulation of France in 1940, Brest became an important U-boat base. A large concrete bunker kept the U-boats safe from bombing. The Kriegsmarine needed defence against attack from the sea and this and several other gun batteries were laid out strategically around the port. As bombing increased the open emplacements needed aerial protection and casemates were starting to be built over the guns. This one an SK type ("SK" bunker = (Sonder Konstruction) Special Construction.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
SK/Schartenstand. Turm3 The large SK casemate rear.

25 November 2009

Plan of the SK [Sonderkonstruktionen] casemate.
Plan of the SK [Sonderkonstruktionen] casemate.
28cm SKL/40 in its casemate.
28cm SKL/40 in its casemate.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
SK/Schartenstand. Turm3 The casemate looking around the back.

25 November 2009

Plan of Turm 3.
Plan of Turm 3.
Behind buried in the ground is an M151 Quarters for 28men. The guns crew.
Behind buried in the ground is an M151 Quarters for 28men. The guns crew.
SK casemate for a 28cm gun. SK = (Sonder Konstruction) Special Konstruction.
SK casemate for a 28cm gun. SK = (Sonder Konstruction) Special Konstruction.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
SK/Schartenstand. Turm3 The left and front. Note the observation on the roof at the rear.

25 November 2009

The shield was 5/8inch thick.
The shield was 5/8inch thick.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
SK/Schartenstand. Turm3 plan.

Report on Selected German Coastal Batteries in France, May 1946

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
SK/Schartenstand. Turm3 Now from the other side close up of the famous horse.

25 November 2009

Almost the same angle.
Almost the same angle.
The gun being delivered.
The gun being delivered.
Crane to lower the gun on its mount.
Crane to lower the gun on its mount.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
SK/Schartenstand possibly an observation on the rear of the casemate. Turm3 Stuck on the top rear of the casemate is what looks like a small observation . Being the highest point in the battery, it could have been a local lookout for the defenders or as a fire control whilst the main post was being built?
The observation.
The observation.
Fire control post.
Fire control post.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
SK/Schartenstand possibly an observation on the rear of the casemate. Turm3 Stuck on the top rear of the casemate is what looks like a small observation . Being the highest point in the battery, it could have been a local lookout for the defenders or as a fire control as the main post was being built?

25 November 2009

The observation.
The observation.
Casemate under construction.
Casemate under construction.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

NARA

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
SK/Schartenstand. Turm3 Battle damage.

25 November 2009

During the attack on this part of Brittany by the Americans. HMS Warspite was used on several locations to bombard the coast.
During the attack on this part of Brittany by the Americans. HMS Warspite was used on several locations to bombard the coast.
Firing on Batterie 'Graf Spee' the battery fired back to such an extent that she had to retire behind a smoke screen.
Firing on Batterie 'Graf Spee' the battery fired back to such an extent that she had to retire behind a smoke screen.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
SK/Schartenstand. Turm3

Martial Doll

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Vf small office bunker

25 November 2009

Between this bunker & turm3 is/was an M151 quarters bunker for 1 officer, 2 sergeants and 24 seamen set under ground, a hole dug, bunker built & covered in earth. This held the guns crew of Turm3 safe from bombing.
Between this bunker & turm3 is/was an M151 quarters bunker for 1 officer, 2 sergeants and 24 seamen set under ground, a hole dug, bunker built & covered in earth. This held the guns crew of Turm3 safe from bombing.
Position on plan.
Position on plan.
The entrance now very buried.
The entrance now very buried.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Vf small office bunker.

25 November 2009

This is the hole that I took the above picture of.
This is the hole that I took the above picture of.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Anti-aircraft site. Here are five SK flak positions and buildings.

25 November 2009

Plan.
Plan.
Plan of the AA site.
Plan of the AA site.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Anti-aircraft site. Flak control bunker?

25 November 2009

I think that a range finder like this one would have stood through the holes.
I think that a range finder like this one would have stood through the holes.
Range finder computer.
Range finder computer.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Vf Odd Bunker. I think this was the ranging position with the holes taken up with men with range finders looking for the aircraft and sending orders to the guns.

25 November 2009

A plan of the bunker, note the niche on the side wall and the two hexagonal holes and one square. I am not sure about how the top right corner is designed.
A plan of the bunker, note the niche on the side wall and the two hexagonal holes and one square. I am not sure about how the top right corner is designed.
Tobruk type holes.
Tobruk type holes.
Inside the bunker.
Inside the bunker.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
The direction of the American advance. Looking N/E from the battery where the American advance came from.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Vf Bunker in hedge We found this entrance a bit further along and have no idea what it was?

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Flak Emplacement Very none standard design.

25 November 2009

Plan of flak site.
Plan of flak site.
7.5cm Flak MLE 32/36.
7.5cm Flak MLE 32/36.
Ammunition niche.
Ammunition niche.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Flak emplacement steps to crew quarters.

25 November 2009

The pattern on the stairs wall?
The pattern on the stairs wall?
Camouflage wall paint looks as good as new.
Camouflage wall paint looks as good as new.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Flak emplacement crew room. Not the original door, second picture is a cable inlet and note where some machinery sat against the wall and was painted around.

25 November 2009

Crew.
Crew.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Flak emplacement crew room.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Flak emplacement crew room. Equalisation valve, if there is an explosion close to the bunker, this valve would allow the pressure inside and outside to be equalised.

25 November 2009

4ML01 equalisation valve..
4ML01 equalisation valve..

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Flak emplacement Pos. L409 There are no trains around this area but railway lines were used to strengthen bunker roofs and also in field bunkers to strengthen wooden roofs and then covered in earth. These would have been filled in and ploughed over very soon after the war. There was another flak battery to the east of this site that was built completely of field emplacements.

25 November 2009

Plan of Re303.
Plan of Re303.
Plan of Flak site.
Plan of Flak site.
L409.
L409.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Flak emplacement Railway line used as roof strengthening..

25 November 2009

Plan of Re303.
Plan of Re303.

Section Heading

Section Heading
Flak emplacement. Camouflaged flak emplacement.

25 November 2009

Plan.
Plan.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Flak emplacement L409 This emplacement is a lot clearer and can be seen better.

25 November 2009

Plan.
Plan.
Stairs to crew room.
Stairs to crew room.
L409 elevation.
L409 elevation.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Flak emplacement L409 Gun platform with remains of iron that would have been used in a Toll Metro (Welblech) shelter or even an earth emplacement/ bunker.

25 November 2009

A Toll Metro (Welblech) [corrugated iron] bunker, were used for storage, living, radio room, in fact any use you can think of also ammunition bunkers for Flak..
A Toll Metro (Welblech) [corrugated iron] bunker, were used for storage, living, radio room, in fact any use you can think of also ammunition bunkers for Flak..

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Flak emplacement L409 Mike looking at the scrap value of the old iron. Note the ready ammunition lockers. They would have had double steel doors to each locker to protect the ammunition from splinters flying around.

25 November 2009

Crew room.
Crew room.
L409 Plan.
L409 Plan.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
View back across the site. I have just noticed the thin concrete wall to these emplacements compared to later models of flak stands.

25 November 2009

6 x 7.5cm Flak M32/36(f).
6 x 7.5cm Flak M32/36(f).

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Entrance to the Nachrichten Hidden under the pile of woodland is an Nachrichten communications bunker. Nachrichten (translates to 'News') radio room & an M151 bunker.

25 November 2009

Plan of AA site.
Plan of AA site.
Plan of site.
Plan of site.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Nachrichten Entrance. Very overgrown but can be entered.

25 November 2009

Where we are now at the entrance to a passage. Left to the M151 crew bunker & right to an Nachrichten.
Where we are now at the entrance to a passage. Left to the M151 crew bunker & right to an Nachrichten.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Nachrichten entrance. Centre of radio communications, all radio & local telephone lines would come through here. Note there was a piece of machinery screwed to the wall & painted around.

25 November 2009

A plan of the Nachrichten.
A plan of the Nachrichten.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Nachrichten entrance Two aerial slots in front, on the right wall with the pipe a speaker tube to the outside and the other recess may be for a lamp to light the bunker in emergencies (if it had electric lighting).

25 November 2009

The two vertical insets into the far wall are for telescopic radio aerials and here is a plan of how they looked.
The two vertical insets into the far wall are for telescopic radio aerials and here is a plan of how they looked.
An aerial in a slot.
An aerial in a slot.
Bunker lamp, some were battery, others carbide and then there is the inevitable candle.
Bunker lamp, some were battery, others carbide and then there is the inevitable candle.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Nachrichten That does look like a light switch and its cable going up the wall. The door may have been a 19P7 steel door with a rubber seal (air tight), a small glass window at eye height.

25 November 2009

19p7 steel door.
19p7 steel door.
Bunker light switch.
Bunker light switch.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Nachrichten The back wall and a niche for a lamp. A fitting on the left and an air vent or chimney outlet on right.

25 November 2009

Carbide light.
Carbide light.
Light switch.
Light switch.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Nachrichten. Cable ducts coming inside the bunker.

25 November 2009

Fittings on the wall.
Fittings on the wall.
How the cable connections looked.
How the cable connections looked.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Nachrichten Thermo plastic tiled floor.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Nachrichten Radio room.

25 November 2009

How the wall may have looked.
How the wall may have looked.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Nachrichten Entrance/exit.

25 November 2009

19P7 door.
19P7 door.
Where we are.
Where we are.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Tunnel to M151 Quarters. This is the entrance to quite a long tunnel from the Nachrichten to the M151 quarters bunker that is been sunk quite deeply into the ground.

25 November 2009

M151 quarters bunker plan.
M151 quarters bunker plan.
Plan of where we are.
Plan of where we are.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Tunnel. Note the change in colour on the walls, the yellow/brown is the original camouflage colour. Also the lamp niches in the walls either side.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Ablutions. Washing area one large sink.

25 November 2009

Taken from the other direction.
Taken from the other direction.
Plan.
Plan.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Drain. Quite a big drain in the floor

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Tunnel. This is where the tunnel does a 90deg turn.

25 November 2009

Plan.
Plan.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker entrance. The steps down into the M151 quarters bunker.

25 November 2009

Plan.
Plan.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker Close combat defence.

25 November 2009

This is a 57P8 close combat defence embrasure (position arrowed above). Anybody coming down the steps would be covered by a soldier with a rifle or a machine pistol and below the embrasure from the other side.
This is a 57P8 close combat defence embrasure (position arrowed above). Anybody coming down the steps would be covered by a soldier with a rifle or a machine pistol and below the embrasure from the other side.
57P8 close combat defence window.
57P8 close combat defence window.
57P8 close combat defence window.
57P8 close combat defence window.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker corridor. This is the central passage through the bunker with rooms left & right. The main door here was a 434p01 double steel door..

25 November 2009

M151 plan.
M151 plan.
434p01 double steel door.
434p01 double steel door.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker The first room - M151 Quarters for 6men. About 12 men would share this space with three tiers of bunks which could fold away to allow more room and a few wooden cupboards a table and chairs. Home from home.

25 November 2009

Crew room.
Crew room.
Crew room plan.
Crew room plan.
Crew inside a bunker.
Crew inside a bunker.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker The first room - M151 quarters room for 12men. View from the other way and a small wall has been added, note the bolts on the left wall to hold the bunk beds up.

25 November 2009

Plan.
Plan.
Behind the wall.
Behind the wall.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker Officers room door. A hole above the door is unusual and it looks like cables came through them? so they may have used these rooms as offices.

25 November 2009

A naval officer.
A naval officer.
Plan.
Plan.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker The Officers room where he would have a bed, a cupboard, a table and chair.

25 November 2009

Plan.
Plan.
Marine officer.
Marine officer.
Another 19P7 door may have been used here.
Another 19P7 door may have been used here.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker Officers room. An electric light fitting would have been attached to the wire and set in a small recess in the wall. Note also the two tone paintwork with a colour border/dado around the room.

25 November 2009

A bunker light switch set into a small recess.
A bunker light switch set into a small recess.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker Room for two non-commissioned officers. Probably two single beds, one either side, their cupboards and a writing desk.

25 November 2009

Plan of bunker.
Plan of bunker.
A Petty Officer Bootsmannsmaat.
A Petty Officer Bootsmannsmaat.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker Room for two non-commissioned officers. Electrical wire fittings still in place.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker Exit from the NCO's quarters would have been another 19P7 door.

25 November 2009

19P7 door.
19P7 door.
Yellow doors were 19P7's and red were 434Po1 armoured doors.
Yellow doors were 19P7's and red were 434Po1 armoured doors.
434Po1 armoured door.
434Po1 armoured door.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker The second way out/In. Another 19P7 door and a lamp recess.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker Second way out/In. Steps up and into the exit corridor which has a close combat embrasure covering the exit. This exit has been filled in with earth.

25 November 2009

Plan.
Plan.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker Quarters for another 12 men. The second crew room with the close combat embrasure and a lamp recess.

25 November 2009

Plan.
Plan.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker Second crew room.

25 November 2009

Room plan.
Room plan.
48p8 close combat window.
48p8 close combat window.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker Second crew room with a centre support probably for three bunks to fit on.

25 November 2009

Plan.
Plan.
Bunker beds.
Bunker beds.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker Way back out along the tunnel.

25 November 2009

Plan.
Plan.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
M151 quarters bunker The way out sunlight at last.

25 November 2009

The M151 is underground and the radio bunker is semi submerged.
The M151 is underground and the radio bunker is semi submerged.
Bunker position.
Bunker position.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Turm 2 Ammunition bunker.

25 November 2009

Plan of Turm2. Green - M151 complex. Red - ammunition bunker. Blue - Turm2 gun position. Yellow - Offices.
Plan of Turm2. Green - M151 complex. Red - ammunition bunker. Blue - Turm2 gun position. Yellow - Offices.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Ammunition bunker for Turm 2 a heavy 434Pp1 door.

25 November 2009

Plan of Turm2. Green - M151 complex. Red - ammunition bunker. Blue - Turm2 gun position. Yellow - Offices.
Plan of Turm2. Green - M151 complex. Red - ammunition bunker. Blue - Turm2 gun position. Yellow - Offices.
Ammunition bunker with an armoured 434p1 door.
Ammunition bunker with an armoured 434p1 door.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Ammunition Bunker for Turm 2.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Ammunition bunker for Turm 2.

25 November 2009

Wooden shuttering on the roof looks in very good condition.
Wooden shuttering on the roof looks in very good condition.
The entrance to this bunker.
The entrance to this bunker.
How it may look with all the undergrowth removed.
How it may look with all the undergrowth removed.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Looking back at the Flak battery. The sun came out but the wind was cold and then ten minuets later it pelted down with rain.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Possible site of Turm 2? or a rubbish tip. I am not to sure what this is but it could be part of the outer parts of the gun emplacement.

25 November 2009

One of the Term's. (Term = gun position).
One of the Term's. (Term = gun position).
One of the three guns in open emplacements.
One of the three guns in open emplacements.
Plan.
Plan.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Turm 2 Post war showing how close the shell craters got.

NARA

The red arrow showing where it could be on the plan.
The red arrow showing where it could be on the plan.
Shells being moved to the gun.
Shells being moved to the gun.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Camouflage netting over the gun.

NARA

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Second ammunition bunker for Turm 2. Camouflage is very good around here.

25 November 2009

The red arrow showing where it could be on the plan.
The red arrow showing where it could be on the plan.
This is how it would have looked with the gun in front & the two ammunition ready bunkers either side behind.
This is how it would have looked with the gun in front & the two ammunition ready bunkers either side behind.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Ammunition bunker the view under the canopy.

25 November 2009

434P1 double door.
434P1 double door.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Second ammunition bunker for Turm 2 inside.

25 November 2009

Ammunition trolleys.
Ammunition trolleys.
Ammunition being moved around.
Ammunition being moved around.
Shell storage.
Shell storage.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Second ammunition bunker for Turm 2.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Strengthened offices.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Strengthened offices. The view as far as we could see.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
The next bunker is a Welblech Toll Metro fuze store.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Toll Metro (Welblech) fuze store. I am presuming this is a fuze store as it is so well made?

25 November 2009

A very well made floor area.
A very well made floor area.
Fuzes.
Fuzes.
A Fuze of a 1918 shell standing outside a cafe in Ypres not that different to the ones that would have been stored here away from the shells in their own storage area.
A Fuze of a 1918 shell standing outside a cafe in Ypres not that different to the ones that would have been stored here away from the shells in their own storage area.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Fiery sunset.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee' .

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee' .
Western SK ammunition bunker The ramp down into the large ammunition bunker.

25 November 2009

A plan of this SK ammunition bunker.
A plan of this SK ammunition bunker.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Western SK ammunition bunker. Me looking at the ammunition rooms on the left. A very large amount of ammunition could be stored here.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Western SK ammunition bunker. Looking into the corridor.

25 November 2009

Plan.
Plan.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Western SK ammunition bunker. Two large & two smaller rooms all with two entrances.

25 November 2009

The view from inside the room with a lamp recess at the centre rear & front. The blast damage could have been the Americans after capture blowing up small arms ammunition or letting off hand grenades. If they had exploded the main ammunition, this building would have just been a large hole in the ground.
The view from inside the room with a lamp recess at the centre rear & front. The blast damage could have been the Americans after capture blowing up small arms ammunition or letting off hand grenades. If they had exploded the main ammunition, this building would have just been a large hole in the ground.
The yellow lines on the plan are showing where the overhead rails went to unload/load the rail carts of shells and case..
The yellow lines on the plan are showing where the overhead rails went to unload/load the rail carts of shells and case..

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Western SK ammunition bunker.

25 November 2009

Overhead rail ammunition handling.
Overhead rail ammunition handling.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Western SK ammunition bunker. One of two of the smaller rooms.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Western SK ammunition bunker.

25 November 2009

Overhead ammunition handling.
Overhead ammunition handling.
Overhead ammunition handling.
Overhead ammunition handling.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Western SK ammunition bunker.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Western SK ammunition bunker. The doors have all been removed or they were never fitted?

25 November 2009

Doors may have been fitted to close off the space and could have looked like these.
Doors may have been fitted to close off the space and could have looked like these.
Overhead gantry system.
Overhead gantry system.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Western SK ammunition bunker. Looking back with the railway lines showing up, these would be of the narrow gauge type carts.

25 November 2009

Ammunition being moved on a small railway carts.
Ammunition being moved on a small railway carts.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Western SK ammunition bunker. As you see its quite a massive structure.

25 November 2009

Railway lines.
Railway lines.
Drain.
Drain.
Shell on a small railway truck that would be hand pushed.
Shell on a small railway truck that would be hand pushed.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Road block. All roads in the area would have been blocked to stop civilians finding out what was there. BUT the troops needed feeding so maybe the baker delivered bread or a farmer some Calvados. So it went on and the local population passed on all these little details to the local French underground. They passed it either by radio, boat or light plane back to England.

25 November 2009

Road block from another angle.
Road block from another angle.
Where the road block is situated.
Where the road block is situated.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Road block. Showing how it may have looked.

25 November 2009

Another way of blocking the road was to use a Belgian gate. It could link into the fittings on the concrete posts.
Another way of blocking the road was to use a Belgian gate. It could link into the fittings on the concrete posts.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Small office?

25 November 2009

T - Tobruk. A - Ammunition. TM - Toll Metro (Welblech).
T - Tobruk. A - Ammunition. TM - Toll Metro (Welblech).
Small office behind Turm1.
Small office behind Turm1.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Small office? inside with a nice window.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
The entrance.

25 November 2009

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Turm 1 Odd Tobruk R622 twin group bunker.

25 November 2009

R622 has a Tobruk, as this R622 is underground the odd shaped Tobruk could have been added above ground to replace it.
R622 has a Tobruk, as this R622 is underground the odd shaped Tobruk could have been added above ground to replace it.
How it may have looked.
How it may have looked.
2cm Oerlikon situated around here somewhere.
2cm Oerlikon situated around here somewhere.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Turm 1 A very odd Tobruk??

25 November 2009

Tobruk.
Tobruk.
The last Tobruk on the perimeter.
The last Tobruk on the perimeter.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
Turm 1

SHM/NARA

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.
During the battle of Brest.

Martial Doll

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.

Re303 MKB 'Graf Spee'.