Massif fortifié de Souville

Due to ash chalarosis (a disease caused by a microscopic parasitic fungus), certain trees and branches in the Forêt d?Exception® de Verdun are weakened and present a risk of falling. For safety reasons, this site should be avoided. For further information, visit www.tourisme-verdun.com

A "first-generation" fort built after the 1870-71 war, Souville subsequently received concrete protection only for its powder magazine, the rest of the structure being earth-covered masonry, which made it terribly vulnerable to large German shells. Although Souville had never received casemates from Bourges for flanking fire, it had been reinforced in 1890 by the installation of the Bussières retractable turret prototype, armed with two long 155 mm guns. Unfortunately, the bursting of one of these guns in April 1916 meant that the turret served only as a lookout and command post for the remainder of the battle. While possession of the fort was crucial for the French, its capture also gave the Crown Prince's forces one last chance to descend unchecked into the city.

The center of Verdun. On the morning of July 11, the 3rd Company of the 7th Infantry Regiment, commanded by Sub-Lieutenant Dupuy, entered the fort and found the surviving garrison virtually out of action. The arrival of fresh troops lifted the spirits of those who had not been wounded, and the defenses were put back in order. On the slope outside the fort, other elements of the 7th infantry regiment yielded to the fierce German assault, but fortunately the enemy made no significant headway before the 7th's machine guns, firing from the fort's roof, stopped them. The following day, Souville remained under harassing German artillery fire, but the crisis was over and the defenders of Verdun could catch their breath.

More than just a fort, Souville was a veritable fortified massif comprising several elements:
- Fort
- garrison and cave-shelter for 300 men
- 3 Pamart casemates
- 2 observation turrets
- an eclipse turret for two 155 mm guns, known as the "Bussière" turret
- hose communication network.

Practical info :
- pedestrian access to the fort
- it is forbidden to enter the fort.

Accessible via gravelled walkways, the fortified site of Souville today allows visitors to examine vestiges such as the Hospital Battery, the Pamart Casemates and the roof of the fort, not forgetting the unique Bussières turret.

DATAtourisme France