The VDP cloche was an element of the Maginot Line fortifications. A cloche (bell) was a fixed and non-retractable firing position made of a thick iron casting which shielded its occupant. By comparison, turrets could be rotated and sometimes lowered so that only the top shell was exposed. VDP cloches were used for observation of the surrounding area for artillery direction. VDP is an acronym for Vision Directe et Périscopique. By comparison with the GFM cloche, the VDP cloche had narrower ports and was consequently lower in profile.
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