This was the most important stronghold in the network of forts built to protect Verdun after the annexation of Alsace and Lorraine to Germany in 1871. First built in 1882, it was built into the hillside and ultimately served as a strategic command center for both sides at various times. Soldiers were protected by a thick layer of sand (to muffle explosions) and a wall of concrete five to seven feet thick. In spite of this, German shelling in 1916 rocked the structure, leaving it useless. It was only protected by 56 elderly French reservists when the Germans attacked on February 21st, 1916. Apparently, no one was manning the steel lookout capsules when a small group of Germans snuck up to the fort, found an entrance and simply went room to room capturing French soldiers. The fort was taken without a single shot being fired.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 18:57:20 +0000
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