This is all that remains of the Former 13th Super Heavy gun battery that was used to bombard the German long range guns on the French coast. 13. Super Heavy Battery with HQ at Sellindge with 1x 12inch at Sellindge Railway and 1x 12inch at Hollybush Railway. In September 1944 the final stages of the seizure of Calais were played out, the Canadian 9th Brigade began a classic set-piece attack on Cap Gris Nez. The four cross channel gun batteries were housed in large concrete casements which survive to this day. Each was protected by minefields, barbed wire, anti-tank ditches and pillboxes sited for all-around defence. The Floringzelle battery was able to fire inland and its 280 mm shells, known to the Canadians as “freight trains,” had repeatedly tried to hit Canadian targets. Brigadier Todd’s artillery resources included the cross channel guns at Dover known as “Winnie” and “Pooh,” whose crews were anxious to have one last go at the enemy. With their own air observation post (OP) overhead, the British guns engaged and damaged the Floringzelle battery to the great satisfaction of the Canadians who had feared heavy losses from its guns. The ground attack began after a heavy bomber raid. The North Novas and Highland Light Infantry had little trouble in closing with an enemy that had lost all desire to continue a hopeless battle.
Lieutenant-Colonel D.F. Forbes, “Actions Against the Defences of Cap Gris Nez,” DHH.
September 30, 1944
The last cross-channel gun was silenced, ending nearly four years of harassment of the area around Dover.
