The Eparges and Saint-Mihiel
Troyon Fort
During the battles of September 1914 that concluded in the formation of the Saint-Mihiel Salient, Troyon Fort played a special role. Subject to heavy bombing from 8th September 1914 onwards, it received orders to hold out for at least 48 hours.
Located south of Verdun, Troyon Fort's determined stand was capital if the Germans were to be stopped from using their pincer movement to take Verdun.
On 9th September 1914, Major Neuhoff, German staff officier of the 10th Division, appeared at the fort entrance ordering the defenders to surrender. But the fort's commanding officier, Captain Heym (from 166th Infantery Regiment) refused and instructed the Germans to turn back. Hence, an avalanche of shells hit Troyon Fort.
On 10th September, The German bombardments stopped : the fort had held out. The outcome of the war was dependent on this heroic resistance. Indeed, had Troyon Fort fell, the River Meuse would have been crossed and Verdun would have been surrounded.
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Open :
- Open from 1st March to 30th November:
- Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 1.30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Prices :
- Adulte : € 4
- Child : € 4
- Free under 10 years old
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Troyon Fort is part of the Séré de Rivières fortifications built around Verdun from 1875 onwards.
This fort has the particular advantage of being neither reinforced nor concreted.
