Stützpunkt 26 Elbe

This strongpoint was occupied by the Luftwaffe. According to a 1943 German document the unit stationed here was the 5. Kompanie of the Luftgaunachrichtenregiment Belgien-Nordfrankreich, which was itself a part of the Luftgaukommando Belgien-Nordfrankreich, which in 1944 was responsible for the Flak air defence of Northern France, Belgium and The Netherlands, as well as for supporting flying units on the ground. The document further states that 119 troops were stationed here.

The L434 Geschwadergefechtsstand is a fairly unique bunker. It was only built once within the area of the AOK 15 and only 4 times along the entire Atlantikwall. This raises the question why the decision was made to build this bunker here at all. The more since there is no indication that the bunker was actually used for its designed purpose, i.e. commanding an aircraft wing. Rather, it is believed that both bunkers were operated on behalf of the Flakuntergruppe Calais, more specifically the gemischte Flakabteilung 253, which was responsible for the air defence of Calais.

The transmission bunker of the type SK was built in an area susceptible to flooding. The Germans had not taken this into account. A German document of 23 February 1943 states that the water level could reach 1 meter during a flood and that the construction of a damming wall around the bunker had already been started. On the inside, as well, modifications were made to keep the water out. Access to the bunker was possible by means of two wooden staircases.

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Source

• Text: THE GERMAN 15TH ARMY AT THE ATLANTIKWALL
• Photos: THE GERMAN 15TH ARMY AT THE ATLANTIKWALL