THE WESTERN FRONT

Evening Star, Issue 23379, 23 September 1939, Page 8

THE WESTERN FRONT

;STAR• MAP

The map reproduced on this page gives the towns of importance close to the frontiers of the countries concerned in the present military activities on the western front. The inset shows the permanent fortifications as accurately as is possible from tho information available, which is of varying authenticity. No country lias released comprehensive information regarding its defences, such items as are available having been extracted from released reports of foreign observers, liaison officers, and intelligence services. According to Gorman assertions made last year, the French Maginot Line is duplicated on the southern half of the Franco-German frontier, the second line being from 15 to 20 miles from tho River Rhine. Franco planned to complete the Belgian frontier this vear. The Maginot lino is almost entirely underground, well camouflaged, and consists of a continuous line of forts, anti-aircraft and machine gnu emplacements, and serration posts. All are connected by passages and a complicated system of communications, including electric railways, telephones, and loud speakers. The lino is also equipped with all the most modern fighting instruments, including aircraft predictors. It can accommodate all necessary troops for a period of many months, being equipped with spacious quarters and recreation rooms, bathing and cooking facilities, etc. In the opinion of British and American military experts who have examined it the Maginot Line is absolutely impregnable. The Belgian Lino is similar to the Maginot, being constructed to plans supplied by the French. No reliable detail is available concerning the Dutch defences which supplement the scheme for Hooding a large territory. They appear to consist mainly of obstacles covered from fire positions. There is a similar lack of detail regarding the Swiss line, which extends, if yet completed, along the Rhine from Basle to Lake Constance.

The German Siegfried Line is a hastily-erected defence in echelon formation extending well back from the border, and, contrary to general belief, does not embrace the Rhino on the French harder. The greatest distance from the rear to the frontier is about 120 miles (from the city of Frankfurt to Saarbrucken). The country between tho front lino and the border is protected by a multitude of small defended posts and mined areas. Information available indicates that the Siegfried Line is almost entirely above ground and consists of an elaborate series of traps and obstacles (including mines) for tanks and infantry, all covered by fire from well-sited guns. This arrangement provides a series of prepared positions which can be defended in succession with orderly retreat. It is reasonable to assume that Germany is at present concentrating on making each successive line more difficult to attack. This map, like the ‘ Star' general map of Europe and Poland, will be used as a basis for future sectional maps showing the progress of the war. Copies have been reprinted on strong cartridge paper suitable for marking dispositions, and will be available for purchase at this Office at 9 a.m. on Monday. The price is 3d a copy (posted I*d extra).