Fort des Dunes
| Fort des Dunes | |
|---|---|
| Part of Fortifications of Dunkerque, Séré de Rivières system | |
| Leffrinckoucke, France | |
 |
|
 Fort des Dunes
|
|
| Coordinates | 51°03′12″N 2°26′50″E / 51.05335°N 2.44711°E |
| Type | Fort |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Commune of Leffrinckoucke |
| Controlled by | France |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1878 |
| Materials | Masonry, concrete |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Dunkirk, Battle of France, Siege of Dunkirk (1944) |
The Fort des Dunes, also known as Fort Leffrinckoucke and sometime Fort de l'Est, is located in the commune of Leffrinckoucke, France, about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) east of Dunkirk (Dunkerque). Built from 1878 to 1880, it is part of the Séré de Rivières system of fortifications that France built following the defeat of the Franco-Prussian War. Although it played no part in World War I, it had a significant role in both the beginning and end of World War II. It has been preserved and is interpreted by a local preservation association for the public.
The Fort des Dunes was built as the westernmost frontier fort in the Séré de Rivières system, in the coastal sand dunes within a few hundred metres of the English Channel. The chosen site was both served by and a place of protection for the coastal railway and canal. It occupies a sandy hill 27 metres (89 ft) high, and is itself protected by as many as 6 metres (20 ft) of sand cover. The rectangular fort is surrounded by a dry moat defended by caponiers that provide a protected firing position to sweep the length of the ditch with gunfire. The main fort is accessed by a drawbridge over the ditch. The Fort des Dunes was armed with a variety of artillery over its history, initially mounted on the fort's surface. The fort's barracks and service areas are recessed into the surface and covered with soil and turf. The walls are built of brick and stone masonry. It was initially armed with about 25 artillery pieces, served by 451 men.
The Fort des Dunes was a component of a larger system of coastal batteries and outlying positions defending the greater Dunkirk area. These fortifications were modified as artillery technology developed, making fixed open-air gun emplacements untenable. During World War I the fort's primary armament was two or three 90mm guns on the ramparts. Several 120mm anti-aircraft guns were positioned in the area surrounding the fort.
The Fort des Dunes did not see action during the First World War, since it was well behind the lines. It was garrisoned largely by reservists. The fort's primary function during this time was as a munitions depot.
During the Battle of France in 1940, large numbers of French and British troops arrived in the Dunkirk area, separated from their units. The Camp des Dunes was established at the fort to process French soldiers and to assign them duties. General Georges Blanchard, whose First French Army had effectively ceased to exist, arrived at the fort on 30 May. The fort became the headquarters of the French 12th Motorized Infantry Division on 1 June. On 2 June the fort was attacked by aircraft. Two bombs exploded in the courtyard of the fort. Among the dead was the 12th Motorized Infantry's General Janssen. Another bombing raid on 3 June hit the fort with six bombs, heavily damaging the fort and killing six more officers, with a total of between 150 and 200 killed at the fort in both raids. The repeated attacks and heavy damage led the 12th Division to leave the fort.
...
Wikipedia