German militarization 1942-1943 (≈ 1943)
Transformation into a stronghold of the Atlantic Wall.
11 septembre 1944
Scottish Liberation
Scottish Liberation 11 septembre 1944 (≈ 1944)
Taken by the 51st Scottish Division.
23 décembre 1996
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 23 décembre 1996 (≈ 1996)
Registration of surface/ground elements.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
2e quart XXe siècle
Initial construction
Initial construction 2e quart XXe siècle (≈ 2037)
Period of construction of the wall.
Heritage classified
All surface and underground elements, including north and east slopes (Box ZK 214): inscription by order of 23 December 1996
Key figures
51e Division Écossaise - Allied military unit
Release of the site in 1944.
Origin and history
The Hamel Farm is a typical farm in the Pays de Caux, located in the commune of Octeville-sur-Mer (Seine-Maritime, Normandy). Built during the 2nd quarter of the 20th century, it illustrates the traditional rural architecture of the region, characterized by its walls, enclosures surrounded by hedges and slope. This type of farm, often isolated, played a central role in the local economy, based on livestock and crops.
During World War II, between 1942 and 1943, the Hamel Farm was integrated into the Atlantic Wall by the German army. The existing slopes were reused to install six concrete structures: firing and observation casemates on the eastern slope, as well as an underground shelter type R 622 to protect the troops. This development was intended to defend the fortress of Le Havre, particularly the eastern part of the neighbouring hamlet of Dondeneville.
The whole was released on September 11, 1944 by the 51st Scottish Division, marking the end of its military use. Since 1996, all surface and underground elements, including the north and east slopes, have been listed as historical monuments by order of 23 December. The farm thus bears witness to both the rural heritage of Normandy and its strategic re-use during the conflict.
Architecturally, the site preserves the features of the Cauchian wall-masure — a space enclosed by planted upcrops — while bearing the traces of its militarization. The casemates, partially buried, integrate with the pre-existing slopes, creating a hybrid ensemble where agricultural history and war memory overlap. The exact address, 67 Route de Dondeneville, allows to locate this monument at the crossroads of peasant and military heritage.
