Mimoyecques Fortress

In September 1943, the construction of a German bunker complex began at Mimoyecques. The complex was to consist of two sections, a western and an eastern part, located approximately 1000 meters apart. The planning took into account a large number of V-3s that could collectively fire 10 shots per minute, or about 600 shells per hour could reach London.
An underground railway tunnel was constructed along with various spaces for personnel and ammunition. The construction of the complex, deep in the chalk cliffs, was carried out by the Organisation Todt. Thousands of people, including forced laborers, were involved in the project. The shafts, 150 meters long, were hewn at a 50-degree angle into the rocks. Where the guns reached ground level, a 5.5-meter-thick layer of concrete was poured as protection against air bombardments. The shafts were connected to a 600-meter-long central corridor. The rock excavated during construction was first painted dark green and then transported out of the tunnel on train cars. This was hoped to keep the nature of the work hidden from view.
The complex was 75% completed in less than 10 months. In March 1944, the first section was expected to be operational, and the second section in October 1944. Neither date was met due to frequent attacks on the construction site by Allied bombers.

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