Battery Oldenburg, German coastal artillery fortification in Calais, France
Battery Oldenburg is a German artillery fortification in Calais featuring two massive concrete gun casemates, each approximately 35 meters long and 15 meters high. These structures once housed Russian 240mm guns from World War I that were repurposed and modified by German forces.
Battery Oldenburg was constructed by German forces between 1941 and 1942 as part of the Atlantic Wall defense system protecting the French coast. This fortification represented one of many artillery positions built along threatened invasion coastlines.
The fire control and hospital bunker at Battery Oldenburg features military frescoes and paintings that document the daily operations of German forces.
Visitors can walk around both casemates by circling the eastern side of the former barrack grounds, though some sections show structural wear. Exploring the older bunker areas may present accessibility and stability challenges.
The installation acquired the mysterious local nickname 'Le Moulin Rouge' for reasons that remain unexplained and open to speculation. This name contradicts the site's military nature, leaving visitors curious about the hidden stories connected to this fortification.
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