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Maginot Line - Ouvrage La Ferté

This Maginot fortress was a component of the Secteur Fortifié de Montmédy.The garrison consisted of 104 soldiers and 3 officers of the 155e RIF.

Between 15 and 19 May 1940, Ouvrage La Ferté was a place of fierce fightings. An intense artillery bombardment was launched by the Germans on 18 May. After a failed French counter attack and the destruction of Block 1 & 2, the garrison was forced to retreat into the connection hallway. They were found dead on 2 June in this hallway by German soldiers, killed by a combination of smoke and a broken ventilation system.

The fort today:
There is now a visitor center, which is freely accessible. A part of the garrison of Villy-La-Ferté is buried at the national cemetery of Villy.

For current visiting hours, please visit the website of the museum.

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!

Source

  • Text: Kaj Metz
  • Photos: Bas Sjoerts (1), Florian Cathelain (2), Benjamin Dumont (3, 7), Maxime Dupont (4, 5, 6)

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