Taken by the Allies juin 1944 (≈ 1944)
Unfinished Rampe, liberated by the Americans.
23 février 1995
Historical classification
Historical classification 23 février 1995 (≈ 1995)
Protection of structures and galleries.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
2e quart du XXe siècle
Construction of ramp
Construction of ramp 2e quart du XXe siècle (≈ 2037)
Development by the Luftwaffe between 1943-1944.
Heritage classified
Launch ramp, as well as the eight former underground reservoirs and the network of galleries accompanying them (Box BN 1, 2): classification by order of 23 February 1995
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
Sources do not mention any specific actors.
Origin and history
The launch ramp of Brécourt V1 is a military structure built by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War, integrated into the defensive system of the Atlantic Wall. Located in the Vaublat valley in Equeurdreville-Hainneville (delegated commune of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin), it reused eight underground galleries originally dug by the National Navy before 1939 to store fuel oil. This infrastructure was transformed in 1943 by the German army to store V2 missiles and then transferred to the Luftwaffe, which set up a launch base for V1 flying bombs.
The 75-metre-long ramp, consisting of two parallel reinforced concrete walls, was oriented towards Bristol Harbour. Unfinished during the Liberation in June 1944, it was taken by American forces. This site is the only copy of this type kept in France, with its underground tanks and network of galleries. Ranked a historic monument since 23 February 1995, it bears witness to German military strategies during the occupation and the adaptation of pre-existing infrastructure to offensive uses.
The galleries, dug in the hillside at the foot of the Fort des Couplets, also illustrate the systematic reuse of local resources by the occupying forces. Their preservation makes it possible today to study the techniques of rapid construction and development implemented by Nazi Germany between 1940 and 1944, in a context of total war where Normandy played a key role in defending the Reich.
