Fort Evegnée
Location: Right bank, adjacent to Forts Barchon (left flank) and Fort Fléron (right flank)
Mission: Protect approaches to Lieèe across the Plain of Hervé
Configuration: Small triangular, type A1, B1, C1, D2
Bombardment of the Fort: Shelled 5, 6, and 8 August. The final bombardment commenced on 10 August around 0430 and lasted until the evening with some interruptions; continued lightly throughout the night, about every 6 to 10 minutes. Recommenced the 11th at 0500, lasted until 1550, when the fort gave up. Highest caliber used against the fort was 21cm.
Condition of the Fort: Kitchen in the counterscarp battered in on the night of 5-6 August. Counterscarp wall received a breech along its crest in the vicinity of salient III of a length of 8 and 12 meters. Central massif breeched along fronts I-II and II-III to a length of 15 and 5 meters respectively and to a width of 2 meters. The infantry sortie area was damaged and difficult to pass through.
Condition of the Guns: All large caliber guns knocked out. The collars around the 15cm's were damaged and fell in on the men. None of the 5.7cm's functioned. All flanking guns in good condition.
Morale of the Garrison: Remained good. A moment of anxiety on the part of the troops was handled well by the commandant.
Food and Supplies: After the destruction of the kitchen, the quality of the food was poor.
Water: Still available.
Lighting: Good
Ventilation: Poor; unable to clear out the gas from the shelling
Latrines: Bad odors in the interior of the fort
Cause of Surrender: 11 August, 1550 hours. Prolonged bombardment seriously damaged the concrete, mainly on the edge of the central massif. Large and small caliber guns were out of commission. Surrender caused by gas and terrible odors from the latrines.
LEFT FORT-Fort Barchon