European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 22, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                The Jacinot line visitors explore the exterior of Block 1 at fort de Villy la Ferte. The Black cupolas were disabled by German sappers during the final assault on the fortress. The end of the line stories and photos by Bill Walker staff writer fort de Villy la Ferte was alone at the end of the Maginot line the final fortress covering what was thought to be a Safe sector of the ardennes Region opposite the Border of Neutral Belgium. Thus in May 1940, when the German tank juggernaut swept into France through the ardennes the 104 men assigned to la Fertz s two Battle blocks were left to Bear the Brunt alone. Their Fate although tragic is recorded As a valiant chapter in French military history. The Petit outrage or minor fortress was built bet Yeen the villages of Villy and la Ferte on a Ridge overlooking the Chiers Valley Between month by and Sedan. As the final Maginot line installation to the West it was about 15 Miles from the Strong Point of Sedan. Single casimates on each Side of the Ridge and French army troops in Villy provided the fortress s Only support. To add to la Ferte s vulnerability the guns from the neighbouring major fortress of be Chenois could not fully protect the area surrounding the two Battle blocks. This was a violation of the Maginot line system of supporting fire from adjoining fortresses. Additionally the design for la Ferte was flawed although the twi n Battle blocks were connected by an 885-foot gallery there was no emergency exit from the gallery. The germans ended the so called Quot phony War Quot late 1939 to Spring 1940 with their attack through Belgium beginning May 10,1940. Tank columns broke through at Sedan the French Meuse River Strong Point and thrust toward the English Channel. German troops widening the Bridgehead to the East were confronted with the fire from la Ferte. On May 15, units of the German 71st infantry division began to probe toward the Village of Virly and the fortress. On May 17, the Crews of the casimates were ordered to evacuate and the next Day the French ground troops in Villy pulled out. The germans brought up 8-Inch mortars and 88mm flak guns. Both weapons were used with devastating effect on the two Battle blocks. Only the fire from la Chenois provided any support a and that fire was inaccurate because the guns were at the extreme end of their Range. At Dawn on May 18, a direct hit on a cupola of Block 2 6 stripes Magazine november 22, 1990