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Photo "Fortess Eben Emael Belgium"

photo "Fortess Eben Emael Belgium" tags: reporting, interior,
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Fortess Eben Emael Belgium
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Eben-Emael was a Belgian fortress between Liege and Maastricht, near the Albert Canal, defending the Belgian-German border. Constructed in 1931-1935, it was reputed to be impregnable. But on 10 May 1940, 74 paratroopers of the German 7th Flieger later 1st Fallschirmspringer Division landed on the fortress with gliders (type DFS 230). One day later, they were reinforced by the German 151st Infantry Regiment. At 13:30 h on 11 May, the fortress surrendered. 1200 Belgian soldiers were captured.

Eben-Emael, a diamond-shaped fort, was Belgium's hope to defend the eastern side from invasion, charged with defending or destroying three key bridges. It also gave protection to the south what was called the Gap of Vise. A fortress to protect this approach to Liege had been conceived in the latter 19th century, but only became politically convincing after the Albert Canal was dug (to provide a route for Belgian river transport that did not require entering Dutch territory). Thus the fortress was only completed in 1935, being sited between the river and the canal that bypassed it. With its steel and concrete cupolas, Fort Eben-Emael was thought to be impenetrable.

However, the Germans had planned the capture of the fort well in advance. In preparation they had practiced assaulting forts in occupied Czechoslovakia similar to Eben-Emael. Adolf Hitler himself conceived of a plan to take over the fort by getting men on the fort by using gliders (it would have been difficult and messy to parachute a large number of men into the small area) and utilizing top secret new shaped charge (also called "hollow charge") bombs to penetrate the cupolas. 
published:
Sun 13 Jan 2008 00:15
comments (15 from 27)
all comments descending
Джонни Джонни #1 Sun 13 Jan 2008 01:13

A very thoroughly told story and an intriguing photo.


Nina Efremova Nina Efremova #2 Sun 13 Jan 2008 01:41

An interesting number(line) of arches... Perfect prospect! The magnificent decision of colour!


alessandro mezzenzana alessandro mezzenzana #3 Sun 13 Jan 2008 02:40

excellent work Regards my friend smile


Manuel Domingues Manuel Domingues #4 Sun 13 Jan 2008 03:12

Wonderful image and interesting story!
Congrats


armando jorge armando jorge #5 Sun 13 Jan 2008 03:35

Excellent
Thanks for the useful information
Regards


Joaquim Simoes Joaquim Simoes #6 Sun 13 Jan 2008 03:39

Superb composition, my friend. Fantastic light and very clean photo!
Thank you for your excellent notes!
My congratulations.
jose


Stefano Pasquini Stefano Pasquini #7 Sun 13 Jan 2008 05:04

Very interexting note about history of the fortress.
The hollow charge bombs were later used also in the arms of tanks "Tiger", after 1942.
Hi, Remy...
The image is simply outstanding (as ever...)
Quickly in my fav.


Alex Magzoumov Alex Magzoumov #8 Sun 13 Jan 2008 06:00

Interesting picture and comment.


Tatyana  Savvateeva Tatyana Savvateeva #9 Sun 13 Jan 2008 09:14

Great composition in which every line and every detail is the component of the integral sence... The expressive and severe colours intensifie the dramatic sounding of the subject.


Alisa Shevcova Alisa Shevcova #10 Sun 13 Jan 2008 09:56

Enigmatic, intriguing corridors, fortresses! The Excellent description Belgian fortress!


Olja Olja #27 Tue 15 Jan 2008 21:49

Чем же супер, а? smile


AndrewAn AndrewAn #12 Sun 13 Jan 2008 11:27

Interesting story and good presentation.


Aleksej Patlakh Aleksej Patlakh #13 Sun 13 Jan 2008 11:34

Интересный сюжет...


Vera Lezhenina Vera Lezhenina #14 Sun 13 Jan 2008 12:48

Живое фото, замечательно передана атмосфера крепости. И история очень интересная


Nikolaj Vetrov Nikolaj Vetrov #16 Sun 13 Jan 2008 17:41

Wonderful kompozitsi. Magnificent colors!