"La Pallice" Lock Bunker La Rochelle

The bunker docks of La Pallice were located in an inland harbor with a connection to the sea via a lock. Since these locks were very vulnerable to bomber attacks, so-called lock bunkers were built.
Next to the existing open lock, a heavy concrete covered structure was built in which the new lock was installed.
The lock bunker is 126 meters long, 25 meters wide and 14 meters high.
Heavy concrete buttresses have been poured on the sides to absorb the impact on the side walls in the event of a bomb hit. There are three points on the roof where 20mm anti-aircraft guns could be positioned.

The old open lock still has the old swing bridge. This is opened and closed at regular intervals to prevent it from getting stuck. The inland port is no longer used much.
The lock bunker is no longer accessible. There are fences in front of it.

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar
• Photos: Koos Winkelman