The "Deutschland" or "Jacobinessen" Battery; One of the guns, with shelter for the men and munitions. Below: 1. Breech of the gun; 2. Electric gear for laying; 3. Munitions Shelter; 4. King Albert and President Poincaré visiting the Battery.
On the road to Blankenberghe, at the point shown by an arrow in the photo on p. [72], take the road on the right leading to the "Deutschland" Battery, also known as the "Jacobinessen" Battery (photos, pp. [72] and [73]).
This was the most powerful battery on the Belgian coast. Armed with four 15in. guns, it was used to bombard Dunkirk.
Grouped in pairs, these naval guns, mounted on bridges, were installed in concrete pits about seventy feet in diameter. The right-hand gun only was protected with armour.
The gun laying was effected by means of electric motors. Near each gun immense shelters of reinforced concrete were used to store the shells, while the large shelter between the two groups was probably the post of commandment.
Camouflaging of barbed-wire covered with branches of trees may still be seen hanging above the battery.
The latter was protected by deep lines of barbed wire and infantry defence-works.
Return to the Blankenberghe road and pass through the village of Le Coq (Flemish: de Haan.) On the top of the last turretted house on the right, is an observation post, and opposite, on the top of the dune, a searchlight. On the dike are two 3in. anti-aircraft guns, and in the surroundings, numerous shelters. Further on, to the left, are a lighthouse, and on the high dune, an observation-post. Pass through Wenduyne (4½ kms.) arriving at the "Herta" Battery, on the left of the road. This battery comprises four 8in. guns. A little further on is the "Hafen" Battery, comprising four 3½in. guns. Blankenberghe (4 kms.) is reached by going between the Fishing Dock and Impounding Dock.