German strongpoints in Normandy: Wn 23

Atlantic wall

The Wn 23 strongpoint houses the command post of the first battalion of the 736th German Mechanized Infantry Regiment, commanded by Captain Deptolla. It is located in the castle of Tailleville, north-west of Douvres-la-Délivrande. The defensive system consists of a large network of trenches, tunnels and several tobruk equipped with machine guns.

The German defenders of Wn 23 strongpoint opposed fierce resistance until the evening of June 6, 1944 against the Canadian assaults of Lieutenant-Colonel Buell’s North Shore (New Brunswick) regiment and in particular the Charlie company commanded by Major Daughney supported by thirteen tanks 10th Cavalry Regiment Fort Garry Horse (34 Canadian soldiers killed, 90 wounded).

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