WW1 Photograph of Gun Emplacement on the Mole Coastline near Zeebrugge

The Zeebrugge Mole was one of the most heavily fortified structures on the Belgian coastline during World War I, and this rare photograph of a heavy gun emplacement provides a detailed view of one of its powerful gun mechanisms.

A Detailed Look at a German Gun Emplacement on the Zeebrugge Mole

Used during the 1918 Zeebrugge Raid, this heavy coastal gun shown in the photograph reveals the intricate engineering behind Germany’s coastal defences — from the reinforced gun shield and breech mechanisms to the precise aiming and firing apparatus.

German inscriptions, partially legible on the metalwork, hint at the gun’s operational capabilities, including illumination settings and elevation adjustments. Once the smokescreen lifted during the raid, weapons like this played a devastating role in targeting British vessels approaching the Mole.

WW1 photograph showing a heavy German gun emplacement on the Zeebrugge Mole, with detailed view of the gun shield, breech and firing mechanism.
A heavy gun emplacement located on the Mole Coastline

Close‑Up View of the Gun Shield, Breech and Firing Mechanism

A close up view shows in detail the gun shield, the breech sights, positioning mechanism and firing apparatus. The inscriptions in German are in places unclear, but I have managed to translate the parts that are comprehensible. The inscription has been shown enlarged in the photo. See below for the meanings.

Close‑up photograph of German inscriptions on a WW1 gun emplacement at Zeebrugge, showing partially legible operational markings.
Close up view of the inscriptions in German

Translating the German Inscriptions on the Gun

Ableuchten: mean to able lights or to shine a light all over.

Erhoh: Infinitive of the verb erhöhen: which means to increase, raise or enhance. The figure given here is 26.12.

Leuchigurtel: means luminous belt.

Brenni or Drenni: yields no results, but the figure given here is 29 sec.

Nebelstellung: yields no results.

Detailed view of the firing and aiming mechanism of a German coastal gun on the Zeebrugge Mole during World War I.
Detail of the firing and aiming mechanism

The Role of Mole Artillery in the Zeebrugge Raid

It could be assumed from the German inscriptions that this particular gun emplacement possessed the ability to shine a light upon the British targets. Once the veering wind had cleared the smokescreen from view, the German forces were able to pick off the British ships. This meant disaster for the Zeebrugge Raid mission.
Relevant Links on the Zeebrugge Raid 1918
View the photo gallery menu of the Zeebrugge Raid 1918
A historical overview of the Zeebrugge Raid in 1918

About this site and bibliography

View Further Images Relating to the Zeebrugge Raid
German guns in camouflaged bunkers on the Mole
Shredded gun barrel on the Mole
HMS Intrepid scuttled in the Mole
Bomb damaged submarine shelters on the Mole
German naval officers at Ostend

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