Date of build of a German bunker

[Simon Birch]

Afternoon,

Would anyone care to have a stab at dating the German bunker, situated roughly 2km N.E. of Neuve-Chapelle, in Mauquissart (where the road name changes from Rue de Pietre to Rue de Mauquissart)? And is there a book that covers the defences in this area?

Any help would really be helpful!

Simon

 

[Michelle Young]

The battles of French Flanders (Cooksey and Murland) says built after the 1915 battles. @mebu might be able to help more, and there is also  this book

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pillboxes-Western-Front-Construction-Concrete/dp/1848844395

[Simon Birch]

Just the job. thanks Michelle.

Simon

 

[mebu]

Without the German Engineer's records it is difficult to date this precisely. Through 1916 into 1917, although it may be that it is later in this period. It was certainly there in July 17. 

It is interesting in that whereas there are a good number of structures in the area, most are further back behind the front line. This one is only 300 metres from the German front trench. Not an easy place to build such a structure. Looks like it was sited to protect the road bridge over the Layes channel, with a side embrasure (seen in the photo above) in enfilade covering the length of the channel. This would have been quite deep, and a considerable obstacle for any British attack, with water pumping stations maintaining the water level.

 

Peter

 

[Simon Birch]

Peter, thanks for you. Input. 12th Rifle Brigade launched a diversionary attack on 25th September 1915 - they mention that they took heavy fire from their right hand side. I was pondering where that fire came from.

Thanks again for your input