In 1997 Guernsey Armouries selected Gun Pit No. 3 to restore as an example of a German coastal artillery battery.  After negotiations to  secure a lease on the site and get permission from the relevant authorities, work could begin on excavating the back-filled trenches and pit.  Initial inspection showed the bunkers to be remarkably intact with armoured doors and a bunker telephone still in situ.

An estimated 1,000 tons of spoil was removed using an excavator although many tons had to be shovelled out by hand.  Work could now begin on restoring the bunkers and pit.  All steelwork was shot-blasted and repainted, the original wiring in the bunkers replaced and walls repainted.  Externally the camouflage has been replaced as original.  All work has been carried out as authentically as possible to return the site to its wartime appearance.

Following the successful recovery of a 22cm K532 (f) barrel from the base of cliffs at Les Landes, Jersey, consideration was given as to the best way in which it could be displayed.  After various options were investigated, it was decided to manufacture a replica chassis and cradle on which the restored barrel could be mounted and positioned in an original gun emplacement.  An enquiry to the French Ministry of Defence revealed that the original blue prints of the cannon de 220L MLE 1917 were held at the Centre d’Archives de l’Armement in Chatellerault and copies of the relevant plans were obtained so that work could commence.

The first job was the restoration of the barrel.  A layer of up to one inch thick of rust scale had to be smashed off with sledge hammers and chisels before it could be shot blasted and then painted.  A local company, Marine & General Engineers undertook the fabrication of the replica chassis and mount which required careful design so as to be able to support the eight ton barrel.  After a successful trial fit of the barrel the mount could be shot blasted and painted.  A pair of original wooden spoked wheels were obtained locally and fitted.  Finally in June 2001, the restored barrel and mount were lifted into position in the restored emplacement.

Today work still continues to put those final touches in place with new features still being restored. On some Sundays Uniformed guards can be seen and the Gun is fired on the Hour.

For further information visit the Guernsey Armouries Website: http://www.cwgsy.net/community/guernseyarmouries

Batterie layout plan

German site map from 'Festung Guernsey' Book

Blank round fired out to sea by military re-enactors on an open day.