Ouvrage de Saint Symphorien

This small fortification is part of the defensive fortress line of Verdun and lies between the forts of Rozelier and Haudainville, close to the A4 Motorway.
It was build between 1888 and 1889, partly in brick and partly in concrete. In 1904 it was enlarged and connected to the telegraph network. It was manned bij 1 officer and 117 men who where equipped with just two mortars and a machine-gun section. Furthermore, it had a so-called Bourges-casemate with two 75mm guns.
It saw no direct action as the actual front line is too far away. Therefore, in 1915 it was stripped of its armament. In case of a retreat some black powder was left behind in order to blow up the place. During the rest of the war it served as a jump-off point to the front line and aid post. Starting in 1916 the fortification is expanded with a machine-gun post and grenadelauchers. Even a 700m long tunnel is build.
The ouvrage can be reached by car (in dry conditions) on a semi-paved road which starts just before Verdun's small airfield on the D903. From the road follow a path along an bunker for some 500m. It is freely accessible and in reasonable condition.

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