Re305, Les Respects M.K.B., Batterie 'Von Holtzendorf'

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Re305 M.K.B. 'Von Holtzendorf'

15 October 2013

Information

Re305 Marine Kusten Batterie 'Von Holtzendorf''

Details

The large 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. After the attack on the lock gate at St Nazaire the defence was again increased.

Brest U-boat pens.

Re305 M.K.B. 'Von Holtzendorf'

15 October 2013

Information

Plan of Re305.

Details

Red - Searchlight.
Purple - Old Tower.
Blue - Flak site 'Arnika'.
Yellow - French Fire Control.
Green - Battery Position.

Admiral Henning von Holtzendorf (1853-1919). He served as commander of the High Seas Fleet from 1909 until 1913, retired. Recalled in September 1915, Holtzendorf was placed at the head of the naval General Staff. He was a great believer in U-boats.

A French Battery.

Navy Gunners.

Re305 M.K.B. 'Von Holtzendorf'

15 October 2013

Information

A Plan of the Battery Site.

Details

M.K.B. 'Von Holtzendorf' Battery 1./M.A.A.262
1 x M182.
1 x V256.
1 x R682/SK.
1 x M151.
4 x R622.
1 x M145.
3 x Fl243b.
4 x SK/Schartenstand.
10 x Vf58c.
1 x Leistand(f).
1 x Wellblech Machinen.
4 x 15cm S.K.C/28.

Re305 M.K.B. 'Von Holtzendorf''

25 November 2009

Information

Turm 1 SK/Schartenstand.

Details

The battery has four SK casemates (SK/Schartenstand) set into a bank of earth (the original French battery position) for extra protection with an M150 fire control post in front (not built) many Tobruk's circle the site giving machine gun protection. Four R622 twin group bunkers, M151 quarters bunker & an M145 ammunition bunker and about three search lights. There was also two batteries of AA guns 'Arnika' 3 guns & 'Erika' 5 guns in field positions all using ex French 7.5cm AA guns (now removed).

SK/Schartenstand plan. Large casemates built on the style of an M272 but with extra rooms at the rear.

15cm S.K. C/28's secondary ships armament

The Navy built their batteries either using standard type bunkers or making their own styles (SK [Sonder konstruction] Special construction). The guns here were 15cm S.K. C/28's the sort of gun used as secondary armament on battle ships.

Re305 M.K.B. 'Von Holtzendorf''

25 November 2009

Information

Gun Line.

Details

Initially a battery of field artillery were in open emplacements but due to the allied heavy bombing all artillery was to be places under concrete. So large casemates were constructed. The Navy, Marine Kusten Artillery batteries were to shoot on targets out to sea and were usually placed as close to the cliff's/beach as possible, whilst army (Heer) H.K.A. batteries were to fire on the beaches & surrounding country side and were located inland.

Gun in the casemate.

Gun in an open emplacement.

Re305 M.K.B. 'Von Holtzendorf''

25 November 2009

Information

Tobruk at the Rear of the Gun Line.

Details

Behind the gun line at Turm 2 is a French post war building and toilet block, as you can see now falling down. In the undergrowth it looks though there is a tobruk which may be attached to an H622 twin group bunker. Between the Tobruk & the French building is a semi sunk German concrete barrack room.

R622 twin group bunker.

French soldiers.