Report - Feste Prinz Regent Luitpold France - Oct 23- Sept 24

[Bikin Glynn]

Feste Prinz Regent Luitpold

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Visited this place on my own twice now combining 6-7hr & Im still not convinced Iv seen it all. Its pretty mega IMO and yes I got lost in there but absolutely loved it, how this place has survived for well over 100yr relatively in tact is beyond me... but that may just being used to the UK

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The Feste Prinz Regent Luitpold, renamed Group Fortification Yser after 1919, is a military installation near Metz that was constructed between 1907 and 1914. It is part of the second fortified belt of forts of Metz and formed part of a wider program of fortifications called "Moselstellung", encompassing fortresses scattered between Thionville and Metz in the valley Moselle. The aim of Germany was to protect against a French attack to take back Alsace-Lorraine and Moselle from the German Empire.

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The fortification system was designed to accommodate the growing advances in artillery since the end of 19th century. Based on new defensive concepts, such as dispersal and concealment, the fortified group was to be, in case of attack, an impassable barrier for French forces.
During The Annexation of Alsace-Lorraine, the fort receives a garrison of gunners belonging to the 16th Army Corps. From 1914-1918, it served as a relay for the German soldiers at the front post. Its equipment and weapons are then at the forefront of military technology.

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In 1919, the fort was occupied by the French army. After the departure of French troops in June 1940, the German army reinvests the fort. In early September 1944, at the beginning of the Battle of Metz, the German command integrates the fort into the defensive system set up around Metz.

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Im not dissapointed to tell you that this place warrants a lot of pics so Im sure u will know by now I have a lot of pics. Hope u enjoy.

Continued​

 

[Bikin Glynn]

They wernt lying with these signs!

Some nice bits of calcite

Thanks For Looking.​

 

[mookster]

That's awesome.

 

[Bikin Glynn]

That's awesome.

Thanks mate, love the place.
I forgot to mention when last visiting I walked the woodland track in semi light & saw (through my trusty binoculars) some deer in the clearing. No worries they will move.. 50yd furthur on I realised they were not deer but fkin massive boar! I had to shout before they moved, then walking past I could hear them snorting in the trees right next to me.
I was not too scared honest!