Fortress of Sedan

The fortress of Sedan is one of the largest in Europe and dates back to the 15th century.
The city of Sedan played a central role in all the Franco-Prussian Wars.

During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, in which the French cavalry was destroyed at the Battle of Sedan, Napoleon III sought refuge in the fortress and subsequently surrendered to the Prussians. This marked the end of the Second French Empire, which in turn resulted in the proclamation of the Third French Republic.


During World War I, the fortress was used as a penal camp for French and Belgian prisoners from January 1917 till November 1918, where detention conditions were particularly harsh. Up to 5,200 civilians sentenced to forced labor for, among other things, resisting the German regime ended up here. Many died from abuse, exhaustion, and malnutrition.
A plaque (Item 59492) commemorates this event in the fortress's courtyard.

During World War II, the fortress was part of the Maginot Line and was breached on the 13th May 1940, leading to the French retreat as there were no longer any effective mobile reserves available.

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!

Source

• Text: Francky De Rous
• Photos: Francky de Rous