Mission: Protect approaches and railroad along Vesdre Valley
Configuration: Small quadrangular, type A2, 1/2 A2, B1, B1, C1, D1
Bombardment of the Fort: Bombardment began 12 August at 1300 and continued until 2000. Sporadic throughout the night, picked up at 0400 on the 13th, lasting until 2000.
Condition of the Fort: A breech 5 meters long existed in the counterscarp near salient IV. Another breech in the escarp wall of front II-III 13 meters long and 4 meters high. The escarp wall of front I-II was destroyed to a length of 8 meters and a height of 3 meters. The terreplein was cratered. The grills by the infantry sortie were destroyed, but the sortie was still accessible. The central massif was damaged on its entire surface. Breeches around cupolas of 21, 15, and 12. The central gallery was heavily damaged and pieces of concrete fell into the vaults. The counterscarp of front I-II was heavily damaged and cratered.
Condition of the Guns: At the moment of surrender, only the 21cm still functioned. The 5.7 cupolas of salients I, II, and IV were out of commission. Flanking casemates intact.
Morale of the Garrison: Excellent until the moment when concrete blocks began falling in the central gallery.
Food and Supplies: Good.
Water: The cisterns lost their water supply on the night of 5-6 August. Water was brought by vehicle from Embourg.
Lighting: Good.
Ventilation: Insufficient. The fort was filled with gas.
Latrines: Satisfactory
Cause of Surrender: 13 August, 1930 hours. The bombardment seriously damaged the central massif. Nearly all of the turreted guns were out of commission. The main cause of surrender was poison gas.
LEFT FORT-Fort de Chaudfontaine