English: La Coupole is a Second World War Nazi German bunker complex in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France. It was built between 1943 and 1944 and its' purpose was to assemble and fire numerous V2 rockets against Southern England every day.

The Allies discovered its' function and bombed it several times. That was unsuccessful on several occasions partly because the central part of the 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) complex was covered by a reinforced concrete dome 5 m (16 ft) thick and 71 metres (233 ft) in diameter and weighing 55,000 tons. No bomb ever penetrated the dome (Cupola / La Coupole).

Eventually, however, a 12,000 pound (5,400 kg), ground-penetrating "Tallboy" bomb exploded close nearby and dislodged the foundations rendering the entire complex unusable.

Since 1997 a visitor centre has been constructed and it's possible to see part of the huge complex and in particular go underneath the dome, on 3 levels. There are many displays inside this huge area.

In my picture is an original V2 rocket and behind it an example of the rockets' motor. If the complex had been allowed to go into use there was the potential for a bigger intercontinental ballistic missile being launched from here against the USA and others. Above and behind the V2 rocket you can just see a small part of the inside of the dome.

The need to use a wide-angle lens also had the effect of emphasizing the sinister approach of this deadly weapon.