European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 22, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse A amps photos by Dave Didio a tour guide explains the fort s operating room. Lembach got permission to restore the fortress and to open it to the Public. The ,1,98,3 four a Chaux was opened to the Public with Eaid of the Lembach tourist office and the assistance of the military. Now More than 40,000 visitors a year take the guided tour of the fortress. And those that do Are left with Many impressions. Roaming around the tunnels during an Alert you probably could t have heard yourself think. The echoes. Have been incredible. Sounds originating from a topped Carton of food or other supplies echoed some a after a a a Down the passageway a not to mention Witk a la generators or artillery fire a picking up steam. A Mer trapped sounds of everyday survival Pup irly son a 25 meters under the surface. One can Only 8 is How these everyday sounds must have worked on a person s nerve Over a Long haul especially when artillery and bombers attacked overhead. An assortment of world War ii weapons and uniforms sits in a museum inside the Bunker. Into wer a or that must have played upon the Aoi Tants in the Hill had to be Monotony. The boredom of doing the same thing a Day in and Day out a and seeing the same people when they ate worked and slept. It must have Felt like being on a submarine with no Hope of seeing land with the fear in the Back of your mind of what would happen if this mighty fortress Ever caved in. Even a Brief respite out of doors could not have been a picnic either. Once outside the sight of the fighting blocs with their external turrets a surrounded by Shell craters made by attacking enemy artillery a or the formidable rows of steel train rails embedded in the Earth and the interlaced strands of barbed wire set up to fend off German sappers certainly could not have painted a cheery picture for the Battle worn Soldier. But perhaps the most maddening thing to Cope with while in seclusion must have been the Lack of Daylight. Real Light. Bright warm glowing Sun Light. Not some artificial Point of Light emanating from a dim Low Watt bulb. Yet in spite of All these factors weighing heavily against the soldiers morale was High As evidenced by their Gallant attempt to continue a week after the rest of their comrades had put Down their to get there the Maginot line fortress of four a Chaux is outside the town of Lembach in the alsatian Region of northeastern France just across the German Border from Karlsruhe. To get there take autobahn 5 South toward Karlsruhe. At Karlsruhe take the Karlsruhe Durlach exit and stay on the mini autobahn to the Strasbourg exit. Follow the signs to Wisse Bourg just across the French Border and then to Lembach take a warm jacket or sweater As it s cold and Damp inside the fortress. Admission is 16 French francs for adult about $3.308 francs for children $1.65. Next year both admission fees will be increased 1 franc. Regular guided Tours will resume on March 15. The daily Tours begin at 10 . And continue into late afternoon. Groups of up to 30 can be accommodated upon Advance request depending on the season. For More information Call 0033-88-94-43-81. November 22, 1990 stripes Magazine 7 7
