Construction of post 1942-1943 (≈ 1943)
Work built by the German occupant.
23 décembre 2024
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 23 décembre 2024 (≈ 2024)
Official registration in full.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The command post of the Kriegsmarine of the port of Cherbourg, vestige of the Second World War, in full, and the land base where it is kept, located at 32 rue François Lavieille, on Parcel No. 243, shown in the cadastre section AZ 01, as represented on the plan annexed to the decree: inscription by order of 23 December 2024
Key figures
Hermann Witt - Hafenkommandant (port commander)
Head of the Cherbourg, Granville, Ouistreham fleets.
Origin and history
The command post of the Kriegsmarine in the port of Cherbourg is a military structure built between 1942 and 1943 by German forces during the occupation of France. This building, of the Sonderkonstruktion type (non-standardized construction), was designed to house the command of the Hafenkommandant (port commander) of Cherbourg, as well as the fleets attached to the ports of Granville, Ouistreham and Saint-Malo. Its impressive architecture reflects its strategic role in German coastal defence in Normandy.
The site is specifically linked to Hermann Witt, identified as the commander responsible for port operations in this area. The work, located at 32 rue François Lavieille, was classified as Historical Monument by order of 23 December 2024 for its importance as a vestige of the Second World War. It includes both the structure itself and its land base, preserved on the cadastral plot AZ 01.
The location of the monument, although documented (GPS coordinates and precise address), is considered to be of poor accuracy (note 5/10), which may complicate its exact identification on the ground. Despite this, there is still a tangible testimony of the military history of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin and Normandy under the occupation, providing insight into German infrastructure in the region.
Today, the command post is fully protected, including its immediate environment, to maintain its heritage value. Practical information about its access (visits, rentals, etc.) is not specified in the available sources, but its status as a Historical Monument makes it a potential place of interest for those passionate about military history and the Second World War.
