Capture of Schwaben Redoubt, World War I military engagement near Thiepval, France
Schwaben Redoubt was a multi-layered German fortress near Thiepval featuring trenches, machine gun posts, and underground bunkers. The structure occupied elevated ground and gave defenders views across the surrounding Somme area.
The site was originally designed by German engineers and developed as a core defense point around Thiepval. Its role shifted as the battle evolved and new phases of fighting reshaped the tactical landscape.
The site marks a turning point in European war history, where new assault tactics were tested at scale and losses reached levels that changed how nations viewed combat.
The site sits on open ground accessible via walking paths and guided museum tours that explain the landscape. Visit during warmer months when paths are dry and you can see across the land clearly.
The underground chambers served not just as shelters but also as a field hospital and command post, showing how important the place was as a military hub. Many of these spaces remain partly intact today and show what conditions were really like.
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