JLB PHOTOS ..... DUNKIRK 1940

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Leffrinckoucke

Zuydcoote's coastal battery

Even though the battery is situated in Leffrinckoucke, it bears this name because it aimed to protect Dunkirk's harnour from enemy boats which might come from Zuydcoote.
The first battery was built in 1778. In 1879, the navy had a fortified building built: you can still see a great part of it ( it is a yellow brick building).In 1934, the battery was improved and modernised. A bunder was built on the west top of the building.
Photographie d'une partie du panneau explicatif local
In 1939, she was composed of 13 batteries with a reach of 26 km. In 1940, on the occasion of the Dynamo operation, it's 4 artillery pieces only played a minor part.
During the occupation, the german troops armed the battery with 4 cannons and several pieces of artillery protecting the beach and the sky. At the center of the building, they also set up a big bunker, from where orders were given. They also built several shelters and bunkers all around. Since the end of the war, the battery has been in a state of neglect and damaged by the erosion and vandalism.



In 2009, for safeguarding of bat, brick up a door


The site belongs to the national marine. For reasons of security, the access to the inshore military works is forbidden.


To home of the operation Dynamo




Sur documentation fournie par l'office de tourisme de Leffrinckoucke et l'association Fort des Dunes.

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