Battery Lothringen
Noirmont Point, St Brélade, Jersey, Channel Islands.
Rating: 4.6 ★ (111 ratings)
Details
Battery Lothringen was a World War II coastal artillery battery in Saint Brélade, Jersey, constructed by the Organisation Todt for the Wehrmacht during the German occupation of the Channel Islands. Named after the German Imperial Navy Ship SMS Lothringen, its initial installations were completed in 1941. The battery was part of the Atlantic Wall coastal fortifications and featured four 15 cm SK L/45 naval guns, originally manufactured by Krupp in 1917. These guns were situated on elevated concrete platforms, with ammunition stored in nearby bunkers.
The site at Noirmont Point overlooks St. Aubin's Bay, Elizabeth Castle, and the harbours of Saint Helier. Today, most of the concrete structures remain, including gun emplacements, ammunition and personnel bunkers, anti-aircraft positions, and a command bunker (Regelbau M132) located next to the naval observation tower MP1. One of the original guns was recovered and reinstalled. The headland was purchased by the States of Jersey in 1950 as a memorial to Jersey residents who died during the occupation. The Channel Islands Occupation Society has been involved in restoring parts of the battery, including the command bunker and other sealed bunkers.
Location
Opening Hours
Most locations are open all year. The command bunker and MP1 tower have specific open days, for example, May 18th, 2025 and June 15th, 2025, from 14:00 - 17:00. Some areas may only be accessible on guided tours.
Contact
Channel Islands Occupation Society (for tours/open days): [email protected]. Société Jersiaise (for book inquiries): Telephone: +44 1534 758314, Facsimile: +44 1534 888262.
Comments
It's also quite dangerous in places and not suitable for young children. For example, the safety rail at the top of the steps down to one of the ammunition stores is broken and in a dangerous condition. Good luck if you fall down there...
The information boards are also badly crazed and difficult to read, or printed in a very difficult to read hazy font.
Very disappointing given the importance of this complex, and that it's been restored. Please open it properly and staff it, so that we all might learn, and hopefully not repeat the errors of the past...
The views are spectacular
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