Lembach (FR)

Four à Chaux Fortress, Lembach

The Maginot Line was often regarded as a defensive barrier along the Franco-German border. In fact, the line actually stretches from the north of France to the Mediterranean. The section that served to defend the Franco-Italian border was also known as the Alpine Line.

Historical Overview – Four à Chaux Works

1930–1935: Construction of the factory

The fort was manned in 1938 by troops from the „165e Régiment d’Infanterie de Forteresse (165e RIF)“ (165th Fortress Infantry Regiment), the „168e Régiment d’Artillerie de Position (168th RAP) and the “15th Engineer Regiment„ (15th Pionier-Regiment). It was from here that fire was first opened on German patrols on 20 May 1940.
Following the armistice of 22 June 1940, French troops remained in the fortress until 1 July 1940, when they were forced by the French high command to surrender to the German forces. This applied to the entire Maginot Line.

May 1940: Artillery engagements against enemy patrols
24 June 1940: last artillery barrage
1 July 1940: The garrison at Four à Chaux surrenders, with full military honours, six days after the armistice, and is disarmed on 2 July 1940
1940–1944: Occupation of the factory by the German Wehrmacht

1951–1953 Major refurbishment work at the factory

Between 1951 and 1953, the French Army had the artillery fort restored, with the exception of Block 1. It still belongs to the Air Force today. The Lembach & Surrounding Area Tourist Association has been opening the artillery fort to the public since 1983. In addition to the complex itself (troops’ entrance, barracks, Block 2, etc.), visitors can view a museum featuring a memorial to the French and German war dead. Individual guided tours are not available.

1983: Opened to the public by the Lembach and Surrounding Area Tourist Association (S.I.L.E)

Architecture Four à Chaux

The fortification was built into a hill approximately 270 metres high, situated between the Sauer and the Schmelzbach. Due to the very narrow ridge, only a very compact artillery fort, with a length of around 650 – which was small by Maginot Line standards – could be constructed. Between 1930 and 1935, a total of eight blocks were constructed. Access to the fortification is at ground level via the crew entrance. The lower-level ammunition entrance was fitted with an electric inclined lift which transported ammunition and supplies upwards. Such an inclined lift leading upwards is unique in northern France, as all other inclined lifts lead downwards. Deliveries were initially made by lorry only, but from May 1940 onwards via the field railway, which had been completed by then.

Another remarkable feature of the Four à Chaux is the well. Next to the power station is an artesian well 214 metres deep. This well supplied 6,000 litres of drinking water per hour at a temperature of 16 degrees. It fed three water tanks with a total capacity of 150,000 litres.