Ouvrage Barbonnet - Fort Suchet Description

Fort Suchet Description

Fort Suchet was built as part of the Séré de Rivières system fortifications that were designed to respond to the rapid development of artillery in the late 19th century. Built between 1883 and 1886, Suchet is a rough trapezoid with a wall and ditch around its perimeter, defended by caponiers. It crowns a prominent peak 340 metres (1,120 ft) above the surrounding valley, giving the peak a sawn-off appearance. The fort's primary armament were four 155mm guns in Mougin twin turrets, named "Jeanne d'Arc" and "Bayard." In 1888 the fort also mounted two reserve 155mm guns, ten 95mm guns, one 32mm mortar and several smaller weapons. At the time of its completion, Fort Suchet was one of the three strongest forts in France. A third Mougin turret outside the fort was proposed in 1903, along with two machine gun turrets. None were built, but the existing turrets were reinforced with concrete in 1913-1914, along with minor improvements to other features. Electricity was provided at this time. More concrete was added to the north caponier in 1928, with ventilation improvements for the turrets in 1930. An aerial tram was proposed for access, but not pursued. A 1934 project to install a deeply buried magazine under the Mougin turrets caused cracking in the fort's masonry, and the project was abandoned. A 1938 project to link to the Maginot fortification was likewise not pursued.

The Mougin guns were used in June 1940 to fire on Italian positions. The guns were replaced after the war with similar weapons taken from forts in the northeast of France, the Fort de Frouard (Jeanne d'Arc turret) and the Fort de Villey-le-Sec (Bayard turret), near Nancy and Toul, respectively. In 1963 the fort was deactivated and the Bayard guns were returned to Villey-le-Sec, where the turret has been restored to operating condition.