Wn 20 strongpoint – Cod Position – Atlantic wall in Normandy

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German strongpoints in Normandy: Wn 20
Cod Position

Atlantic wall

The Wn 20, also called Stp 20 (Stützpunkt), is located to the northeast of Hermanville-sur-Mer, at the place-dit La Brèche. This base, known as “Cod” by the Allies, also served as the command post at the 10th Company of the 736th Infantry Regiment (716. Infantry Division), commanded by Hauptmann (Captain) Heinrich Kuhtz.

The Wn 20 is surrounded by a large network of barbed wire and a minefield. On D-Day, it caused heavy casualties for soldiers belonging to the 3rd (GB) Infantry Division. At around 10:00 am, the “Cod” position fell into the hands of English soldiers belonging to the 1st Battalion South Lancashire Regiment and 2nd Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment.

Composition of the Wn 20 strongpoint:

  • 1x 8,8 cm Pak 43/41 gun
  • 3x 5 cm KWK L/42 gun
  • 1 8,1 cm Gr.W 34 mortar
  • 1x 4,7 mm gun
  • 1x gun turret
  • Several casemates, shelters and tobrouks for machine guns

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