Widerstandsnest 171 Brautnacht - Vf Unterstand

This Widerstandsnest (independent infantry strongpoint) was part of the German Atlantic Wall (Atlantikwall).

The Germans were quick to grasp the tactical significance of the 30-metre high former fossil cliff of the so called Motte du Bourg. The hilltop dominated and still dominates the immediate environment.

In the summer of 1940 the Luftwaffe Flak artillery used the location to defend the makeshift airfields near Wissant.

In 1941 the German army established Widerstandsnest 7 here in order to defend the southeastern approaches to the village of Wissant. On the south side of the hill, thus invisible from the sea or beach, wooden barracks were built, as well as a trench network, almost surrounding the hill.

In 1943 the strongpoint was coded Widerstandsnest 204 "Brautnacht" and occupied by the 156. Reservedivision. Also, the R667 Bunker for 5cm KwK and the Tobruk for a French tank turret were built.

In August 1943 it was decided to dig out an underground tunnel in order to better protect the equipment, ammunition and soldiers on this exposed location. The tunnel was started towards the end of 1943. Today the entrance to the tunnel still exists, but the tunnel very quickly comes to a dead end. It is not known exactly how far the tunnel originally ran under the hill.

In 1944 the strongpoint, now occupied by soldiers of the 47. Infanteriedivision, was recoded Widerstandsnest 171 "Brautnacht". In September 1944 the strongpoint was vacated by the withdrawing Germans without a fight.

Today, the site has been restructured as a location for bird-watching and the R667 Bunker, which is now closed, is occupied by bats. On top of the Vf Bunker, a wooden viewing platform has been built to enjoy the all-round panorama.

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Source

• Text: The German 15th Army at the Atlantikwall & Bertrand Nollet
• Photos: Bertrand Nollet