Ouvrage Les Sarts - History of The Maginot ouvrage

History of The Maginot ouvrage

See Fortified Sector of Maubeuge for a broader discussion of the events of 1940 in the Maubeuge sector of the Maginot Line.

During the Battle of France in 1940, the invading German forces approached Maubeuge from the south and east, to the rear of the defensive line. The German 28th Infantry Division moved along the line of fortifications 19-22 May, rolling up blockhouses and larger fortifications. Les Sarts first took fire on 21 May, with a Stuka raid on 22 May. Heavy fire from the rear continued on 23 May, gradually reducing the fort's defenses. At 1100 hours, with all means of resistance gone, les Sarts surrendered, the last ouvrage of the defenses of Maubeuge to do so.