Fort de Barchon
Barchon Fort is located on the right bank of the Meuse between Liège and Visé. It was completed in 1888, to a triangular plan in the Brialmont style. It went on to experience many events in three different eras.
During the first of these eras, it was one of the 12 forts that made up the Liège Fortified Position and was the site of fighting in the First World War from 5 to 8 August 1914. It was captured by the Kaiser’s troops after its garrison had endured a particularly difficult struggle.
In the second era, under the German occupation from 1914 to 1918, its strategic importance was recognised by the occupiers, who modified and improved its defences.
Its third era began in 1928, when the decision was made to rearm, improve and reinforce it so that it could resume active service. It was attacked in the German blitzkrieg on 10 May 1940 and valiantly held out until 18 May 1940.
During the first of these eras, it was one of the 12 forts that made up the Liège Fortified Position and was the site of fighting in the First World War from 5 to 8 August 1914. It was captured by the Kaiser’s troops after its garrison had endured a particularly difficult struggle.
In the second era, under the German occupation from 1914 to 1918, its strategic importance was recognised by the occupiers, who modified and improved its defences.
Its third era began in 1928, when the decision was made to rearm, improve and reinforce it so that it could resume active service. It was attacked in the German blitzkrieg on 10 May 1940 and valiantly held out until 18 May 1940.