Fort de Pontisse

Mission: Protect approaches to Liège from the Meuse Valley and the bridge crossings north of the city

Configuration: Large quadrangular, type A2, 1/2 A2, B2, C2, D3

Bombardment of the Fort: Bombarded daily from 5 to 13 August. On the 13th, at 0800, it was introduced to the 420cm, when 15 of these projectiles fell on the fort, until 1230, when it surrendered.

Condition of the Fort: The counterscarp of front I-II had an emormous breech 60 meters long. The counterscarp of front III-IV had a breech 9 meters long and 2.5 meters high. The periphery of the central massif was breeched to a depth of 1 meter, with large craters around the 15 and 12 cupolas and between these cupolas where a 42cm made a large crater. The gallery by salient II was caved in by a 42cm shell. The area around the infantry sortie was badly damaged but could still be used. Large blocks of concrete fell into the assembly area inside the central massif.

Condition of the Guns: The 21cm was out of commission. The 12cm guns were out of commission and the collars around all the cupolas were damaged. The cupolas of the salients were out of commission. The flanking casemates were in good condition.

Morale of the Garrison: Remained excellent

Food and Supplies: Marginal. Meat was fresh; main sustenance was biscuits on the last two days.

Water: The well pump was destroyed, but there was plenty of water.

Lighting: Some minor damage to the generators, but electricity still functioned.

Ventilation: Very bad. Many of the men became ill with stomach aches, nausea, and diarrhea. The men tried to cover the windows, from where the gas was coming, with mattresses, but it did not keep out the gas.

Latrines: Lack of sufficient latrines became a serious factor.

Casualties: 3 killed and 30 wounded.

Cause of Surrender: 13 August, 1230 hours. Very serious damage to the fort. All turreted guns out of commission. Main cause of surrender was gas and from latrine odors. The fort held out to the bitter end.

LEFT FORT-Fort de Liers