Is it possible this seemingly peaceful wood once echoed with the clamor of construction? This is Ouvrage intermèdiaire Uhrich-Hoche. It stands as a silent witness to a time of great tension.
Let’s delve into the history of this fascinating place. Ouvrage intermèdiaire Uhrich-Hoche was built between 1887 and 1889. It was known as Zwischenwerk 5 Werder-Schwarzhoff. This translates to Intermediate Work 5 Werder-Schwarzhoff.
The structure you see before you is rectangular. Ouvrage intermèdiaire Uhrich-Hoche features moats filled with water. This design was intended to make it a formidable obstacle.
The Strasbourg fortified place was transformed. German military engineers constructed several forts between 1871 and 1898. These forts followed the theories of Hans Alexis von Biehler. They formed Strasbourg’s fortified belt. The goal was to keep attackers at a distance. This would prevent the city from being directly bombarded.
Ouvrage intermèdiaire Uhrich-Hoche is an intermediate work. Intermediate works are located between forts. They often take the names of the two forts they connect. This one sits between Fort Uhrich and Fort Hoche. Hence, Ouvrage intermèdiaire Uhrich-Hoche.
Look closely at the perimeter. A parapet dominates the moat. A trench interrupts it. This trench allows entry into Ouvrage intermèdiaire Uhrich-Hoche. Platforms once held artillery pieces. These were used to defend the intervals between the forts.
Entry was via a dam. This was interrupted by a wooden bridge. Grilles secured the entrance. These grids still exist today. Two blockhouses defended the entrance. One served as a guardhouse in peacetime. The second served as latrines.
Note the modifications to the shelters. Two shelters were built under the parapet. They are located at the projecting angles of the front. The left one has an artillery observation turret. It is a mle 1896 model. The right one has a rotating dome observation turret. This is a mle 1890 model. The left turret supported an annex battery. It was for a 10 cm cannon. The cannon had a shield. It was built to the left of Ouvrage intermèdiaire Uhrich-Hoche in 1898-1899.
At the center stood a barrack. It housed infantry and artillery. It had six alcoves. These were modified between 1894 and 1898. Further changes occurred in 1904.
During November 1939 Ouvrage intermèdiaire Uhrich-Hoche served as a command post. It was for the Hoche quarter. A captain commanding the 6th Company of the 172nd RIF commanded the quarter.
In April 1940, the ouvrage became the command post for the 237th RI. They held the sector. The telephone number of the command post was 265. This connected it to the fortification’s telephone network.
Classified as a war site. Ouvrage intermèdiaire Uhrich-Hoche became a defensive work of France. This occurred by law on July 6, 1933.
Today, Ouvrage intermèdiaire Uhrich-Hoche stands as a reminder. It is a reminder of Strasbourg’s strategic importance. It is a testament to the ingenuity of military architecture. Take a moment to appreciate the history. Reflect on the stories it holds within its walls.