Widerstandsnest 175 Flamingo - OB 20mm Flak

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

The OB is an open gun emplacement.

Towards the end of 1941 and in 1942 defences were established in close correlation with the radar station on the nearby Mont de la Mottelette. While the latter was occupied by the Luftwaffe the Mont Malassis was mainly occupied by the Heer.

In 1943, the Mont Malassis was included in the large strongpoint Stützpunkt 191 "Flamingo", which covered the entire plateau.

The position owes its tactical function to its height 58 metres above sea level, offering spectacular views on Wissant and the bay. The position provided protection for the Luftwaffe radar station Wels on the Mont de la Mottelette, which is situated across the D940 road.

In 1944 the Mont Malassis part of the strongpoint became an independent strongpoint of its own, called Widerstandsnest 175" Flamingo". Important additions at this point were the R612 flanking gun bunker and a small searchlight for the 20mm Flak gun already present. The R612 actually replaced the Wellblech bunker and its open emplacement. The original 5cm KwK was moved closer to the D940 and replaced by a 7.5cm LAG in the R612 bunker. The strongpoint was surrounded by the minefield Kiefer.

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Source

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