Hillman defense works

   The Hillman Defense Works are located about 2.3 miles inland from Sword Beach. For troops landing on Sword Beach, the primary strongpoint objectives just behind the beach were codenamed after fish (Trout, Sole, etc), the secondary objectives inland were named for car manufacturers – Morris, Daimler… Hillman.

The Germans, under the command of Colonel Ludwig Klug put up a stout defense here. It was a major factor in the British failing to take the city of Caen in time. Our guide told us he was respected by the locals, treating them fairly and even attending church every Sunday - but in civilian clothes so as not to offend the locals.

  The position had good visibility but at the same time was difficult to see from the other side. The vast majority was underground - much larger than you would have guessed.

Looking out from the fort

The beach obstacles on display here are not part of the fort

Much of the works are under ground. Here Kyle enters one

Kyle inside a Tobruk

My turn in a Tobruk - a view from the inside

  The main entrance. Hard to see, but it was enclosed by a steel door with a "loop hole" for a machine gun.

The well

Malcom Clough, our wonderful guide, demonstrates what happens when you throw a grenade in what looks like a ventilation shaft.