Bois de Gremilly – Kurze-Marine-Kanonen-Batterie 8 (8th Short Naval Gun Battery)

In the southern part of the Bois de Gremilly, northwest of today’s D 105, which was called “Kronprinzen-Weg” by German troops, a gun position of the Kurze-Marine-Kanonen-Batterie 8 was located starting in June 1916. The unit had been established in Cologne by decree of the Ministry of War on May 7, 1916, and equipped with so-called y-devices (Gamma devices) from the Krupp company in Essen. The gun type Kurze-Marine-Kanone 12 L/16 was called “Big Bertha” by both the soldiers and colloquially.

Following its establishment, the battery gradually received its operating crew assigned throughout the month of May 1916 and its equipment from various procurement agencies and from the stocks of other units. Repairs and several inspections took place, among others by the then Governor of Cologne, Gen.Lt. (major general) von Zastrow, along with infantry and artillery exercises by the crew in the Cologne barracks.

Kurze Marine-Kanone 12 L/16, Gamma device, y-device, Big Bertha

On May 26, 1916, the OHL decreed that the battery be assigned to the Fifth Army of Crown Prince Wilhelm and deployed before Verdun. Starting on June 5, 1916, it was transported away from Eifeltor station in Cologne. The journey went via Euskirchen, Kall, Gerolstein, Trier, Luxembourg to Ecouviez, east of Montmédy. The battery camp was established in the Mont-Aubé forest north of Azannes. The crews and equipment arrived there starting on June 9, 1916. The guns remained behind the front. On June 10, 1916, the reconnaissance of possible gun positions began. Several came into consideration, including in the eastern part of the Herbebois forest, and in the Grand-Chêna forest. The position was ultimately erected in the Bois de Gremilly.

At the height of the Battle of Verdun until early August 1916, the battery fired several hundred rounds at the surrounding forts, especially Forts de Tavannes, Souville, Moulainville, and St. Michel. After the guns failed, the battery was relocated back to Cologne. On August 2, 1916, the reorganization into heavy 15 cm Cannon Battery No. 17 was ordered. With this, the deployment before Verdun came to an end.

Bois de Gremilly, position sketch of K.M.K.B. 8

War diary of K.M.K.B. 8 - May 4, 1916 - March 4, 1918 — War diary of K.M.K.B. 8 – May 4, 1916 – March 4, 1918

The unit’s war diary for the period from its formation until March 4, 1918 can be viewed as part of the German-Russian project for the digitization of German documents in the archives of the Russian Federation. More precise details about the events during the deployment as part of the Battle of Verdun and in the further course of the First World War can also be learned. The accounts are very detailed, carefully written, and easy to read.

Bois de Gremilly, position Dicke Bertha, Gamma-Gerät

Remarkable remains of the position in the Bois de Gremilly can still be found today, as is rarely the case. In particular, the platforms for the guns are clearly recognizable in the forest floor. In addition, several concrete structures were erected in the area of both positions, which likely served to accommodate and protect the crews.