Built from 1942 on Hitler's orders with the help of many French companies and entirely financed by France on its territory as occupation costs, the discontinuous line of fortifications of the Atlantic Wall was never completed. During the Normandy landings of June 6, 1944, the Allies took control of it within four hours. They bypassed it from behind, where it was unprotected, after having come under the fire of its guns by approaching it from the front.