The Maginot Line

The Maginot Line was France's main defence against possible German invasion following the carnage of the First World War. Construction started in 1932 and was still in progess at the outbreak of the Second World War.

135mm Turret atop block 9 at the Gros Ouvrage, Hackenberg

The popular image of the line was a continuous linked series of fortifications. The truth was somewhat different. The line consisted of a series of separate forts with interval casemates and other works between. The forts were principally divided into seven different grades but can be more easily divided into two categories. Firstly the Gros Ouvrage (large works) and secondly the Petit Ouvrage (small works). Without going into depth the basic difference between the two was that the GO had provision of artillery, and the PO was designed for nothing larger than 81mm mortars.