StP271 Redoute des Couplets,
K.V.U.Gruppe Cherbourg See.

StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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An early French fort that had I believe two Fire Control Posts on possibly two levels, meaning that one level is a Peilstand and the other a Leitstand.
As far as I know:
Leitstand - Control Room.
Peilstand or Meßstellung - Measuring Post.

Plotting,

Aiming the guns.

Observation.

StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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Historical. The fort was built in 1812 under Napoleon to protect Cherbourg against British attacks. In 1940, the Germans appropriated the site. At the end of World War II, the Navy reinvested the fort to measure the speed of ships in the harbor. The City sees it as a pleasant place to welcome children, due to its location in the countryside and its buildings. In the 1980s, Cherbourg built prefabricated buildings on either side of the commander's house, a listed historic monument. And it was in 2000 that the city became the owner “with the firm resolution of promoting the site while maintaining its authenticity. The place is exceptional, full of history and the unique landscaped environment,” explains Jean-Daniel Bajeux, director of building services. A control site. In January 2013, the prefabs were demolished. Only the old casemate and the stone commander's house survive. The challenge is to rehabilitate the existing building and build an extension on each side, “while respecting the thermal standards defined by the Grenelle Environment Forum. It is a fine example of a 19th century building which forms the link between the old and the new, explains Michel Dubois, responsible for sustainable development at the Maison de l'emploi et de la formation. It is open today to craftsmen as a demonstration rehabilitation so that there is an exchange on the site and concretely shows what is possible to do.

StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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The German map of June 1944 showing the defences of Cherbourg.

StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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THE NORMANDY AMERICAN HEROES BLOG the capture of the Fort and Batterie of Couplets.
The Redoute looks from here just like an Iron Age fort converted over the years as a Redoute to cover this side of Cherbourg which is ringed with forts. When the Germans arrived they would need a good position to watch over the port.

There are four bunkers, two Leitstand's (fire control) and two Peilstands (spotting station).

 

 

 

StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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The main gate, I was here in 2000 and took a few pictures, I came back and took more. But typically, I cannot find them.

StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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There would have been a wall on the right side as well, but this seems to have been removed.

StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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Gun positions for probably muzzle loading cannon.

Cannon.

Powder kegs.

Crimea.

StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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The view across the Redoute towards the port of Cherbourg showing why it was such a good viewing point. 
Ian walking towards the second post.

StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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Photo taken just after its capture. These were French military (Naval) posts, sort of two in one.

 

 

 

StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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We did manage to get up to it.

StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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Main 19P7 door.

19P7 Door.

StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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Door from the observation room into the computing room 19P7.

StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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Another French bunker in two parts and when we visited in 2000 it was still being used by the Military.

StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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One of the original forts buildings, now renovated to a high standard.

French Dreadnoughts.

details

Siege artillery.

StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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StP271 Redoute des Couplets

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© 2013 Richard Drew