Mined beach obstacle, Varreville dunes

This wooden pole with a tellermine (anti tank mine) atop it was a typical beach obstacle placed by the Germans with the intention of holing landing craft as they approached the beach at high tide. This example was pictured at Tare Green sector, Utah beach, in front of the Varreville dunes.

In the background can be seen a type 677 pillbox, part of the Stp 9 complex.

The Allies choose to land at low tide, making the decision to take the casualties from German defensive fire over the losses caused from fixed defenses such as this, additionally many of them were corroded by sea water and non-functional in any case. Perhaps their contribution was that their mere existance forced the Allies to land at low tide, at large cost on some of the more defended beaches.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teller_mine