UNDERGROUND FORT

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 81, 29 December 1934, Page 11

UNDERGROUND FORT

French Frontier Defences London, November 21. A seven-floor subterranean "skyscraper’ ’is among the new French fortifications, built as part of the frontier line facing Germany, at a cost of 40 millions. This forms, part of- the famous Maginot line between the cities of Ilagenau and Sarreguemines, which are 87 miles apart, as the crow flies. The fortifications themselves cover 52 miles, and have been built to take advantage of the natural features of the country, and are part of the second line of subterranean defences, which begin at Strasburg and extend to the Belgian border. There are seven underground floors going down to 325 feet. There are passenger and freight lifts, an ammunition store, a hospital, a telephone bureau and general storerooms Special, electric equipment and Diesel motors provide light and power, and air to counteract poison gases. Concrete mounds are placed at regular intervals nt the surface. Under each are guns. A dozen men form the squadron for each of these ant-heaps. Behind this line them is another link of fortifications. The front line itself is regarded by military experts as virtually impregnable. Combined with the rearguard fortifications, the French staff believes that it is beyond human ingenuity to conquer it. Some of the front line mounts are not inter-connected, but all the important underground fortifications are linked by subterranean railways and tunnels," and are so constructed through the mountains as to be accessible only from far in the rear, so that reinforcements and supplies can come up.

Ingenious efforts have been made le conceal the line of tnide'grouml Corti tications. and the links lietweeu the various mounds are covered with grasses and bushes.