Re305, Les Rospects Batterie 'Arnika'

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

Re305, Les Rospects Batterie 'Arnika'

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

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.

U-boat Pens.

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

6 x 7.5cm Flak M22-24 (f).
3 x Fl243b open emplacements.
1 x Fire control bunker.

google

7.5cm Flak M22-24.

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

We parked in the car park at the Abbey at Pointe St Mathieu and walked the coast path. The red square is the 150cm searchlight. Then we crossed the fields to the flak Batterie Arnika. A three gun batterie of 7.5cm Flak M22-24(f) blue circle.

google

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Three Fl243b open emplacements and their attendant fire control post. But the remains of the three open emplacements has gone.

isbnf 1952

Fl243a, 'a' or 'b' that is the question?

Vertical aerial photograph taken during a daylight attack on German warships docked at Brest, France. Two Handley Page Halifax’s of No. 35 Squadron RAF fly towards the dry docks in which the battle cruisers SCHARNHORST and GNEISENAU are berthed , and over which a smoke screen is rapidly spreading. © IWM (C 4109).

RAF Halifax.

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Three Fl243b open emplacements and their attendant fire control post..

17 October 2013

Fl243a, 'a' or 'b' that is the question?

Brest being bombed.

RAF Halifax bombing Brest.

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Three Fl243b open emplacements and Three guns in field positions..

martial doll

7.5 cm fired cases.

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Turm No1. This battery was here to protect the guns & radars that are all around this area.

17 October 2013

Plan.

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Turm No.1.

25 November 2009

7.5cm Flak M36(f). The ones here were 7.5cm Flak M22-24 and may have looked the same.

7.5cm Flak ammunition.

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Turm No.2. A bit of a direct hit.

25 November 2009

The same picture as the main one but taken in 1944.

Battery.

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Turm No.2 this is a rifle port for ground defence .

17 October 2013

More damage, it may have been done when US Rangers attacked through this area?

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Turm No.2.

25 November 2009

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

This is be the Ringstand of the above gun. Look at the mass of cases fired and thrown out of the gun pit. I would estimate 200 rounds.

Martial Doll

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Vf AA Fire Control Post. Now its full of undergrowth. Now removed for a car park would you believe.

25 November 2009

An Fl304 fire control post plan for a heavy AA battery this is how it may have looked?

A 1952 vertical image of the Fire control post.

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Re305 Les Rospects , AA Batterie 'Arnika'

Vf AA Fire Control Post.

25 November 2009