Ouvrage Coume Annexe Sud, Military fortification in Niedervisse, France
Ouvrage Coume Annexe Sud is an underground military fortification on a hilltop near Niedervisse with four armored blocks designed for infantry, artillery, and observation. The structure includes diesel generators, water cooling systems, and multiple armored positions for surveying the surrounding terrain.
The fortification was built between 1931 and 1940 as part of the Maginot Line defense system and remained undamaged during the German advance in June 1940. It stayed fully operational until the armistice was signed.
The fortification shows how France approached military defense in the 1930s, with its underground design that protected soldiers from enemy fire. Visitors can see how troops lived and worked within this network of chambers and passages.
The site requires sturdy shoes and good physical fitness because it involves climbing stairs and navigating tight underground spaces. Exploring the different levels and chambers demands mobility and comfort with confined conditions.
The garrison of around 200 soldiers from the 160th Infantry Regiment kept all original weapons and specialized equipment until the armistice. This made it one of the most completely outfitted Maginot Line positions of its era.
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