Colleville-sur-Mer in Calvados, Normandy, France — Western Europe
Un point d'appui allemand, le WN 62
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The WN62, a German strong point
Photographed by James Hulse, June 4, 2025
1. Un point d'appui allemand, le WN 62 / The WN62, a German strong point Marker
Ici se trouvait le WN 62, un solide point d'appui, avec 31 soldats allemands. L'une des deux grosses casemates visibles en contrebas et portant une stèle du Génie américain était armée d'un canon de 75 mm. La seconde casemate identique était vide. Deux canons antichars de 50 mm, deux mortiers de 50 mm et une pièce double de DCA complétaient l'armement lourd.
Les quatre mitrailleuses de cette fortification ont été meurtrières pour les soldats américains débarqués en face, entre 6 h 30 et 9 heures du matin, avec quelques rares chars amphibies survivants de la traversée en mer.
Progressivement la zone fortifiée a été neutralisée par l'artillerie de marine et l'action de petits groupes de l'infanterie et du Génie américain. Trois survivants allemands se sont échappés dans l'après-midi vers Colleville, après destruction des armes lourdes ou épuisement des munitions.
This is the site of the WN62, a solid strong point with 31 German soldiers. One of the two visible large bunkers below, bearing a U.S. Engineers' stele, was armed with a 75mm-gun. The second identical
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The four machine guns in this fortification were lethal for the American soldiers who faced them, when landing between 6.30 and 9am, accompanied by the few amphibious tanks that had survived the sea crossing.
The fortified area was progressively neutralized by the naval artillery and the action of small U.S. Infantry and Engineers groups. Three German survivors escaped that afternoon to Colleville, after the destruction of heavy armaments or the exhaustion of munitions.
Erected by Europe, the State, the Regional Council of Lower Normandy, and the General Council of Calvados.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II.
Location. 49° 21.493′ N, 0° 50.973′ W. Marker is in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandie (Normandy), in Calvados. It is on Route du Capitaine Joe Dawson just west of Moulins, on the left when traveling west. The marker is located at the overflow parking lot to the Normandy American Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Rte du Capitaine Joe Dawson, Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandie 14710, France. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a French colony and also the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The 1st Infantry Division (about 120 meters away, measured in
Photographed by James Hulse, June 4, 2025
2. The WN62, a German strong point Marker (Left side)
From the parking lot, the marker is located along the walking path toward beach side memorials and WN62.
Also see . . . Wn62 Colleville-sur-Mer. NormandyBunkers
The site was one of the most heavily defended of the entire Omaha landing area and is spread over two tiers. At the top level, where the US 1st Infantry Division Memorial now stands, you can explore an underground Wellblech - a two room personnel shelter - plus a short section of trench leading to a comunications position and a Bf69 type Tobruk which housed a 8cm mortar.(Submitted on December 28, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed by James Hulse, June 4, 2025
3. Un point d'appui allemand, le WN 62 / The WN62, a German strong point Marker
The view of the 2nd R669 Casement bunker along the beach front.
Photographed by James Hulse, June 4, 2025
4. Un point d'appui allemand, le WN 62 / The WN62, a German strong point Marker
The view of the U.S. Engineers' stele on the top of the 1st R669 Casement bunker.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 54 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 28, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
