M7a
Details
Army Coastal Artillery Range finding Positions were reinforced field-type, split-level constructions, although windmills and even Gorey castle was adapted for this role. The Fortress Engineers' construction map dated July 1943 shows these positions designated by the letter M for Mefistelle (Range-finding position).
Equipment of the Observation Posts
Sketch of the terrain in which special points are named, and circle and distance to these Points
A board at each observation set with the co-ordinates to the set, fixed numbers to a near and distance fixed point, and to the beacon lights
Direction indicator with notch and bead sights to aiming points at sea in the observation area, with hoards for horizontal angle and distance
Map of Jersey 1:25000 with grid, entered observation area with grid and aiming points (sea and land), as far as they are in the region of the observation post
Sketch showing-, the nearest units and infantry strongpoints, including searchlights with a radius of act
Log with reporting instructions
Ten rules for the operator
Identification charts showing types of ships
Boards for passwords, signs of recognition, call and reply letter, emergency signals
Interpretation board for the different beacon signals
Board for determining the distance, with the aid of a bubble (for high and low tides & changing tides)
Combat instructions
Duty instructions for the observation post
Sketch showing the different telephone cables
Board warning against mines
Operating instructions for flamethrowers with circuit diagrams
1 stereo telescope (aiming circle) with circuit diagram
A clock for the observation post or a military watch
1 pair of binoculars for each observer
1 torch for each observer
1 emergency light for each observer
1 container with petrol and matches in order to destroy secret documents
Chest with foodstuffs with a list of contents, with differing allowances already divided, a list for the control
A chest containing ammunition for the observation position
1 Flare pistol with cartridges
1 set of ground panels
1 first aid kit
rifle rack and shelf for steel helmets and respirators
3d walkthrough below
https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=evY53kYCKQa
Numbers
German Record Details
Weapons and Equipment
Objective and Function (translated)
WW2 Maps & Documents
WW2 Aerial Photos
WW2 Photos
Recent Photos
Exploring bunkers:
• Always get permission from the owner
• Take a torch, a spare and one more for luck
• Don't go alone & tell someone where you will be and for how long
• You will get dirty as most are often full of rubbish and may have been used as a public toilet
• Anything you find still belongs to the person that owns the property
• Unexploded ordnance is still found in Jersey if you see or find anything that looks like ordnance please call the bomb disposal officer on 01534 612 612.
Jargon Help
Widerstandsnest (WN) = Resistance Nest (RN)
Small pocket of resistance, these would be made up of small groups of up to 10 men with light weapons. They would man Anti-tank weapons, an observation post or a field gun.
Stützpunkt St.P = Strongpoint (STP)
Next level up from an RN and consisted of several RN's. STP areas would have a combination of weapons and different branches of the military used. Examples of this can be found with Strongpoint Greve de Lecq and Strongpoint Corbiere
Einsatzstellung = Operational Position or Action Post
Smaller MG type position generally it was only maned during an alert
Feldwache = Field Watch
Jäger Casemate was a special design and name for bunkers designed to hold a 10.5cm field gun
Sources of Information
German Documents are housed at The National Archived in Washington or Archive in Kew UK
T-78 Roll 318
T-78 Roll 317
T-315 Roll 1639
T-315 Roll 1643
T-311 Roll 27
T-312 Roll 1545
AOK 7 War Diary
OKW War Diary
Operation Green Arrow - Occupation of the Channel Islands MOD 584
Allied Technical Intelligence Reports 1944-45
German Preparations for Invasion of the United Kingdom 1941-42
B-833, 319th Infantry Division (1941-45)
German Seacoast Defenses, European Theatre - prepared by the Seacoast Artillery Evaluation Board
Jersey Occupied by Michael Ginns - ISBN 978-1-905095-29-2
Operation Nestegg Plans
Operation Hardtack Plans
Operation Basalt Plans
RAF Photos care of The National Collection of Aerial Photography
Bundesarchiv - Multiple Photos - and Files
A Map of slave labour camps. Kindly Provided by Emilio Pérez
Photo's and information provided by fans
Onsite visits & internet research
After the Battle Multiple Magazines
If we have used any photos or information which you believe to posted without permission, please contact us at info@jerseywartours.com