Hillman Site

About

Hillman was the Command Post for the coastal defence, commanded by Colonel Krug and Major Hoff, where infantry and artillery were stationed. In this complex of fortifications, about sixty soldiers from the 736 Grenadier Regiment lived and worked within the bunkers, buried under 3 meters (9 ft' 10ins) of concrete. Some of these bunkers consisted of armoured cupolas with a thickness of approximately 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches), used for observation and gun emplacements/tobruks, containing rotating machine guns to defend the site. The bunkers were well equipped, with mechanical ventilation systems and central heating. Outside, a complex network of trenches linked the different underground positions, consisting of the headquarters, signal center, radio room, mess rooms and bathrooms. Every position was connected with each other through a network of telephone lines buried 2 or 3m (6' - 10') deep in the ground. Built at 61m (200 feet) above sea level, the complex offered a strategic position, with direct views of the landing beaches, as well as the mouth of the river Orne. The field of fire or killing zone extended 600 m (2000 ft) and more in several directions. Hillman was therefore a fortress comparable with some parts of the Maginot Line.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes