Stutzpunkt '88' FlaK Nest

After the Germans had recaptured Halfaya Pass on 27 May 1941 following British Operation Brevity, they set about reorganizing and constructing defensive positions. In the forefront of their minds was the concept of the Stützpunkt or strongpoint. A Stützpunkt defensive position is prepared for all-round defense intended to hold even if outflanked.

The objective of a Stützpunkt defense was to provide effective fire to wear down the enemy before launching a counterattack, usually with supporting armored troops.

Stützpunkt position was organized in depth which meant the positions were able to hold and provide fire even when the enemy had pushed into it. The depth also allowed the fire to be poured on to the enemy’s flank if they broke through the position.

When the British attacked the Libya frontier during Operation Battleaxe they faced four Stützpunkt positions. The Stützpunkt positions did their job and blunted the British assaults around Halfaya Pass and the German panzers counterattacked.

German Stützpunkt defensive positions were reinforced by 8.8cm FlaK 36 guns placed in well-constructed nests cut into the hard bedrock.

Contents:

one 8.8cm FlaK36 gun

Gun and Loading crew

one scenic resin nest