NIEMIECKA BATERIA ARTYLERII NABRZEŻNEJ SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN

The Schleswig-Holstein coastal artillery battery was created indirectly as a result of a significant reduction in the ambitious development plan of the German Kriegsmarine (so-called plan H) and the cancellation of many projects or even the cancellation of ships on the slipways. This plan included the creation of two battleships armed with 406 mm artillery, but their construction was canceled. However, they managed to produce their main armament, which, however, was decided to be used in coastal artillery. Some of these guns went to the Atlantic Wall, but two and later three guns of this caliber were placed in occupied Poland - on the Helski. The actual construction of the battery started in 1940, and it was ready for combat in June 1941. It was given the name "Schleswig-Holstein", probably in order to commemorate the battleship that fought in this area during the September campaign in 1939. The main armament of the battery were three 406 mm SK C / 34 guns manufactured by the Krupp concern. The maximum range was up to 43,100 meters! Interestingly, in connection with the initial great successes of the German army in the war with the Soviet Union, it was decided to transfer all three guns to the Atlantic Wall, which were shot while already being part of these fortifications in November 1942.