The Fortress Traditional Geocache

The Fortress

As originally constructed, the Maginot Line was one of the most powerful and extensive fortification systems ever built. It consisted of a series of underground fortresses or ouvrages.
These ouvrages consisted of revolving steel gun turrets, concrete gun casemates and steel fixed armoured fighting and observation positions called cloches. The casemates were up to twelve feet thick in front and four feet thick in the rear and had minimal exposure above ground. The turrets and cloches were made of steel up to ten inches thick.
The ouvrages came in two sizes: "petit" or small and "gros" or large. Though both were armed with infantry weapons, gross ouvrages also mounted anti-tank guns, and howitzers.
Altogether, the line mounted some 339 artillery pieces of several different types and calibres. Supporting the fighting positions or blocks were underground barracks, ammunition and supply depots, and medical facilities. These were connected by underground tunnels. Underground rail road lines moved troops and supplies to the fighting positions. The Maginot Line was constructed to take advantage of natural terrain features which served to further strengthen its defensive capabilities. (The U.S. Army vs. The Maginot Line)
Today, several forts can be visited, for example the the Gros Ouvrage du Hackenberg. Many others have been forgotten and are lost in the woods. It is extremely dangerous (and forbidden, of course) to visit these decayed underground fortresses: Rotten stairways lead down into the darkness, 70 meters below ground. You easily get lost in the tunnels which connect the large combat blocks and the subterranean supporting facilities, providing room for more than 1,000 men. In spring 2005, the french government has sealed off most of the larger forts to prevent accidents and to keep vandals and scavengers out.

This geocache is located nearby an abandoned gros ouvrage d'artillerie.
Start at N49 19.180 E6 24.060 and follow the forest track until you can see the buried munitions entrance. Good Luck!

Content of the Cache:

• Small Cigars
• Glowing Silicics
• Tea Candles
• Light Bulb
• Russian Coin
• Photograph
• 'Happy Hippo' Figurine