Bayeux in Calvados, Normandy, France — Western Europe
Tetrahedron
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 5, 2024
1. Tetrahedron Marker
Historique
Ce type de tétraèdre anti-débarquement fait partie des éléments de défense dont l'usage est préconisé par le maréchal Erwin Rommel lorsqu’il reçoit, à partir de novembre 1943, la mission d'inspecter les défenses côtières du mur de l'Atlantique.
Persuadé que la réussite du débarquement allié se jouera dès les premières heures des opérations de « l'invasion » amphibie et constatant une insuffisance défensive des plages, il insiste sur leur nécessaire renforcement par des obstacles de toutes sortes.
Par leur forme en prisme, les tétraèdres constituent un obstacle très performant, puisque même renversés ils se remettent systématiquement en pointe. De fabrication simple, ils sont composés de six barres de béton armé de 1 à 2 m de long, assemblées à chaque sommet par une tige métallique.
Sur les côtes, ils sont positionnés en grappe devant les positions de défense allemandes (bunkers, casemates...) ou formant une ligne de défense continue le long des plages en complément d'autres éléments (tétraèdres métalliques, hérissons tchèques, pieux ou « asperges de Rommel
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Produits à très grande échelle, il est impossible d'en définir le nombre exact pour l'ensemble du secteur des plages du Débarquement, seulement peuton estimer leur nombre à 45 sur Gold et 150 sur Utah.
Cet exemplaire provenant du secteur d'Omaha Beach est un don de M. Michel Brissard (2004).
Tetrahedron
History
This type of German anti-invasion tetrahedron was one of the defensive obstacles that Field Marshal Erwin Rommel ordered to be used when he was charged with the mission of inspecting the Atlantic Wall coastal defence system from November 1943.
He was convinced that the success of an allied landing would be determined during the first few hours of an amphibian "invasion". Seeing that the beach defence systems were inadequate, he insisted that they must be strengthened by all kinds of obstacles.
Shaped like a prism, tetrahedrons were a very effective obstacle because even if they were knocked over they would still form a point at the top. They comprised six reinforced concrete bars 1 to 2 metres long, with a metal rod at each point, and so were easy to build.
On the coasts they were positioned either in clusters in front of German defensive positions
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 5, 2024
2. Tetrahedron and Marker
They were produced in very large numbers and it is impossible to know exactly how many were used along the whole length of the Normandy Landings beaches, but it has been estimated that there were 45 on Gold Beach and 150 on Utah.
This example comes from the Omaha Beach sector and was presented as a gift from Mr Michel Brissard (2004).
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, World II. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1943.
Location. 49° 16.378′ N, 0° 42.645′ W. Marker is in Bayeux, Normandie (Normandy), in Calvados. Marker is on Boulevard Fabian Ware north of Rue Saint-Loup, on the right when traveling north. The marker is on the grounds of the Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum in Bayeux. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 Blvd Fabian Ware, Bayeux, Normandie 14400, France. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bayeux, the First Town to be Liberated, and Intact (a few steps from this marker); SKC 33 Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer Tank (within shouting distance of this marker); Char Grizzly M4A5 (within shouting distance of this marker); M10 Tank Destroyer (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Mark VII Crocodile Tank (about 150 meters away); The By-pass (about 150 meters away); Bayeux Franco-Prussian War Memorial (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bayeux.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 39 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 25, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.
