
5. Marine Flak Division 214 Battery Stand Heide today
After the capitulation of the German Reich on May 8, 1945, all military installations in Germany were dismantled or completely destroyed by the Allied forces. Unfortunately, almost nothing is known about the last days of the Heide position, the handover to the British occupying forces, the whereabouts of the last soldiers and naval helpers, and the demilitarization of the facility. However, it is likely that the same procedure was followed here as, for example, at the Drangst position, where all of the military components were quickly rendered harmless by blowing them up. Today, apart from the outlines on aerial photographs, individual communication trenches, and the imaginary fire pond of the facility, there is no longer any evidence of the 5th Marine Flak Division 214 in the Duhner Heide. Vegetation has completely taken over the leading role here, and bush growth has almost completely displaced even the large strips of heathland that were kept clear by sheep in the 1980s. There are said to be smaller bunkers under some of the hills, although these were completely covered with earth and sand at the time. The entire area is now under the protection of the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park and may not be entered all year round.

The former anti-aircraft battery Stand Heide on the Dünenweg between Duhnen and Sahlenburg in 2001. Bottom right is the observation tower with the dike exit. Blue arrow, the former fire pond of the facility. Red arrow, remains of former trenches. Yellow arrow, the battery entrance at the time on the Dünenweg.

Former trenches 2001

Top right the former fire pond 2001

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The former anti-aircraft position "Stand Heide" in 2020, the vegetation has continued to increase significantly. Soon the last free areas will also have disappeared. Some positive remnants from that time, the black pines along the front embankment were planted in their time.Photo source: Google