Triangle forts are not just shapes. They represent strategic design. Gladsaxefortet is one such fort. It stands as a testament to Copenhagen’s past. Let me tell you more about Gladsaxefortet.
Gladsaxefortet was built from 1892 to 1893. It was part of a chain of forts. These forts defended Copenhagen. They stretched from Vestvolden to Dyrehaven. Gladsaxefortet was the southernmost in that chain.
The fort was used until 1920. After that, it was decommissioned. Gladsaxefortet is a triangle fort. It features casemates. A dry moat surrounds it. Gladsaxefortet is much like Bagsværdfortet in design.
In the 1980s, Gladsaxefortet underwent restoration. Today it is among the best-preserved triangle forts. It is located on the northern front.
Gladsaxefortet is on the east side of Kagså. It sits west of Gladsaxe By. You will find it about 1.5 km south-southwest of Bagsværdfortet. It is also about 2.5 km north-northwest of Vestvolden’s northwest double caponier. The fort is dug into a hillside. Only the armored turrets and cupolas were visible. They barely cleared the glacis’s edge when raised.
The fort’s design includes dry moats. These are known as the strube grave and face grave. A saillanterkaponiere is at the triangle’s tip. This allowed firing upon the two face graves. Two strubekaponierer protected the strube grave. These were built into the fort’s recesses. The glacis was low on the strube side. This allowed firing over the strube grave.
The fort kasematten is a two-story concrete building. The lower level housed the garrison. It also held ammunition magazines. You could also find the galley and engine room there. The upper level held the four gun turrets. There were also two observation turrets.
The fort used Monier construction in both floor decks. This reduced the arch height in the casemates’ vaults. This created more space in hallways and rooms.
The entrance to the strubekasernen is secured. It has an outer grille and an inner iron gate. The main corridor is slightly curved. It is built on two levels. Two staircases and iron ladders connect them. The kasemat blocks project over the upper corridor’s floor. They have windows that allow light into the living spaces.
The upper level has pre-ammunition magazines. These are in the casemates against the escarpment. A narrow corridor runs around the entire upper floor. The building is simple and functional. It has easy fire control. There is direct communication between the observation towers and batteries.
A kampestenssprængkappe was in front of the fort kasematten. This was to detonate enemy grenades before they hit the concrete walls. In front of this was a triangular earth body. This slowed grenades before they reached the sprængkappen. The earth body was bounded by a concrete retaining wall. A stormgitter was mounted on top. This prevented enemies from reaching the deck.
In 1911, the fort had four 120 mm rapid-firing steel howitzers. These were in disappearing turrets. These guns fired projectiles in a curved path. This increased their penetration. Two other howitzers were behind armored embrasures.
Two 120 mm howitzers were in the saillanterkaponieren. The fort also had twelve 8 mm recoil rifles. These were for close defense.
The fort had a kikkertstation. This was on the southwest glacis. Next to it was the projectørremise. From here, the projector could illuminate an attacking enemy.
The fort had an in-built electricity plant. This powered the projectors. Acetylene projectors lit the graves through special lysskår in the caponiers.
The fort also had two armored observation turrets. These were disappearing turrets. They allowed observation of the terrain.
In peacetime, the fort was manned by 2 officers. There were also 5 NCOs and 65 privates. In times of mobilization, the force increased. It included 2 officers, 15 NCOs and 78 privates.
Gladsaxefortet was closed in 1920. Today, Gladsaxefortets venner helps visualize World War I era. They help people understand the Home Guard’s work in Gladsaxe. They participate in Befæstningsdagen and Gladsaxedagen.
Gladsaxefortet stands as a reminder of Copenhagen’s defenses. It also serves as a place to remember history.