History
- See Fortified Sector of Thionville for a broader discussion of the events of 1940 in the Thionville sector of the Maginot Line.
Soetrich came under bombardment by German forces in June 1940, without much effect. Soetrich surrendered with other positions on its sector as a result of the Second Armistice at Compiègne. No significant action is recorded concerning Soetrich during the Lorraine Campaign of 1944.
After the war, most of the gros ouvrages were reconditioned for continued service. However, the 75mm turrets in Soetrich's blocks 5 and 6 were removed in 1953. In 1960 Rochonvillers and Molvange were offered to NATO for use as secure command centers. Soon after, Soetrich was added to the offer. Soetrich was renovated for this purpose at a cost of 54 million francs, using its ammunition magazine and underground barracks spaces for the purpose and largely abandoning the combat blocks.
The ouvrage is no longer used by the French Army and the entries are now buried to prevent unauthorized entry.
Read more about this topic: Ouvrage Soetrich
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