STRONGPOINT CORBIERE 10.5cm COASTAL DEFENCE GUN CASEMATE “KANONE 2”
CIOS BUNKERS OPEN THIS WEEKEND!
STRONGPOINT CORBIERE – La Corbiere headland, St. Brelade’s
Sunday 8th October 2-5pm
5cm M19 AUTOMATIC FORTRESS MORTAR BUNKER AND INTERCONNECTED 6-LOOPHOLED HEAVY MACHINE GUN TURRET BUNKER
With construction staring in late 1942, Strongpoint Corbiere formed a key part of the anti-invasion defences of St. Ouen’s Bay and also boasted several bunker designs unique to Jersey.
The M19 bunker is uniquely connected to a neighbouring 6-loopholed heavy machine gun turret bunker by an impressive underground corridor. The latter bunker also served as the Strongpoint’s Command Bunker as well as the main hub for both the Strongpoint’s telephone and radio communications. The complex has been restored to a high standard, and thanks to the post war return of its wartime commander, Engelbert Hoppe, tells the story of the crew who actually manned the complex and what they got up to during the last year of the Occupation.
There is also information on the forced labourers who constructed the site and interactions between the soldiers with nearby civilians as well as an escape attempt which ended in failure on the causeway to the lighthouse in September 1944. The sites gives a ‘working atmosphere’ feel to the visitor and you are allowed to touch and interact with some of the exhibits! Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to guide you and give details of the fortifications along with an audio commentary explaining the original crew.
Admission £5 – under 16s and CIOS members free!
