Ouvrage du Four à Chaux - Ligne Maginot

Description

Guarding the Sauer valley, the Four à Chaux structure is located on a hill overlooking the village of Lembach. It is named after an ancient lime kiln.
The 5 km of galleries run 30 m underground. 24 officers and 600 men lived there. They belonged to fortress infantry (RIF), artillery and engineering regiments. They were mobilized several times before returning to their posts at the end of August 1939. As there was no action between September 39 and May 40, they organized themselves, seizing livestock roaming the streets of Lembach, whose population had been evacuated... Visitors can familiarize themselves with their living conditions by visiting the dormitories, sanitary facilities, kitchens and infirmary.
The structure was targeted by Stukas from June 40 onwards. Although it had no effective anti-aircraft defences, it held out for another five days after the armistice, which took effect on June 26. After special negotiations in Wiesbaden, the troops were forced to surrender, but emerged with the honors of war on July 2.
The Germans then occupied the fort, stripping it of everything they could use on the Atlantic Wall. Overpressure gas tests caused considerable damage.
The layout is similar to that of other forts, except that the men's entrance is 24m higher than the ammunition entrance, so the fort has an inclined plane to transport equipment and ammunition from the ammunition entrance to the upper gallery.
Enjoy your visit, and bring walking shoes and warm clothing (13°).