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>Mission: Protect approaches and railroad along Vesdre Valley
Configuration: Small quadrangular, type A2, 1/2 A2, B1, B1, C1
Bombardment of the Fort: Bombardment began 12 August at 1720 and continued throughout the night, recommenced the 13th at 0500 until 0900, when there was an explosion in the fort.
Condition of the Fort: Three breeches in the counterscarp of the gorge between the postern and salient IV, one 15 meters long, one 24 meters long and one 8 meters long. One other breech 15 meters long in the escarp of front III-IV. The central massif was breeched by the 12cm cupola. The concrete was damaged around the 15cm cupola.
Condition of the Guns: Until the explosion, all of the guns were in good condition. A projectile exploded on the cupola surface, and flames from the explosion ignited some charges inside the 21 cm turret, causing flames and smoke to fill the interior of the fort. The smoke made the air unbreatheable. Many men were burned or asphyxiated. The 5.7cm's of salients I, III and IV intact. Flanking casemates intact.
Morale of the Garrison: Very good up until the explosion.
Food and Supplies: Good. Fresh meat.
Water: One cistern lost its water supply.
Lighting: Good. The exhaust pipe of the dynamo was blocked on the night of 12-13 August, but was cleared the next morning.
Ventilation: Bad; air at the end was unbreatheable.
Latrines: Satisfactory
Casualties: 50 killed, unknown number wounded.
Cause of Surrender: 13 August, 0930 hours. Surrender caused by the explosion of munitions. A fire spread throughout the fort, burning and killing many of the men.
LEFT FORT-Fort Fléron