The battery was never captured by an amphibious landing; instead, it was taken by a small contingent of British troops moving inland from Gold Beach.
The bunker site was used as a filming location for the 1962 movie The Longest Day.
Despite intense Allied naval bombardment on D-Day, the guns were still operational and firing on Allied ships until late morning.
The site features a rare command post bunker situated closer to the cliff edge, designed for spotting and fire control.
Each casemate bunker was designed with a ventilation and ammunition storage system integrated into the rear chambers.
Bunker 1 is part of the German naval artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer, a strategic coastal defense installation built as part of the Atlantic Wall. The site features four remaining casemates, each originally housing a 150mm TBK C/36 naval gun with a 20-kilometer range. These bunkers were constructed with thick reinforced concrete to withstand Allied naval bombardment. The site served as a primary target for the D-Day invasion due to its ability to strike both Omaha and Gold beaches. Bunker 1 remains one of the best-preserved German batteries in Normandy, maintaining its original structural integrity. Visitors can explore the interior of the casemates, which retain some of the original firing slits and equipment mounts. It is located on the edge of a cliff overlooking the English Channel, providing clear lines of sight across the water. The battery was neutralized by HMS Ajax and HMS Argonaut on the morning of June 6, 1944.
The view from the top of the command bunker looking out over the English Channel.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes as the surrounding terrain is uneven and can be muddy.
Bring a flashlight if you intend to explore the interior of the bunkers, as the inner chambers lack artificial lighting.
The coastal path can be very windy; bring a windbreaker even during summer months.
Do not attempt to walk down the steep, unstable cliff paths leading directly to the water; use the marked trails only.
Respect the site as a war memorial; do not climb on the structural ruins or remove any debris.
