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Maginot Line - Ouvrage Velosnes

Veslones is an ouvrage of the Maginot Line. It consists of an entrance block and four combat blocks and was built between 1935 and 1939. The crew belonged to the 155th RIF (infantry) and the 169th RAP (artillery). From May 11 to June 13, 1940 the gun turret with two 75mm guns fired approximately 10,000 grenades.
After the fall of the La Ferté ouvrage, the Germans advanced very slowly towards the east. The French field troops withdrew and the crew of the ouvrage was ordered to sabotage everything and also withdraw during the night of 11 to 12 June 1940.
During the war the ouvrage was dismantled by the Germans. One gun turret was left behind.
In 1994, unexploded grenades were found in a block, which was blown up by the French engineers.

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Source

  • Text: WikiMaginot.eu
  • Photos: Hans Vermeulen (1), Kevin de Nijs (2, 3, 4), Kaj Metz (5)

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